How to Simplify Hybrid and Multicloud Connectivity with AWS Interconnect

Introduction

Managing network connections across multiple cloud providers or between your on-premises infrastructure and the cloud can be a complex, time-consuming task. AWS Interconnect now offers a managed, turnkey solution to this challenge. This guide walks you through setting up both multicloud and last-mile connectivity using the AWS Interconnect service, helping you achieve private, high-speed, and secure connections without the heavy lifting.

What You Need

• An active AWS account with appropriate IAM permissions to create Interconnect connections
• An existing Amazon VPC with at least one subnet
• For multicloud connections: an account with a supported partner cloud provider (Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure, or Oracle Cloud Infrastructure; OCI support coming later in 2026)
• For last-mile connections: an existing network provider agreement or relationship with a listed partner on the AWS Interconnect marketplace
• Familiarity with your network requirements (bandwidth, region, and location)
• Administrative access to the partner cloud console (if using multicloud)

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Log into the AWS Management Console

Navigate to the Interconnect section in the AWS Console. You will see two capability options: Multicloud and Last Mile. Choose the one that matches your use case.

Step 2: Select Your Interconnect Capability

Click on either AWS Interconnect – Multicloud or AWS Interconnect – Last Mile. The Console guides you through the configuration steps for each.

Step 3: Provide Basic Connection Details

Under your chosen capability, specify:

• Connection name – a human-readable label.
• Preferred Region – the AWS Region where your VPC resides.
• Bandwidth requirement – select from the available options (e.g., 1 Gbps, 10 Gbps).
• Location – choose the nearest interconnection facility or point of presence from the list.

Step 4: Configure Multicloud Connectivity (if applicable)

If you selected Multicloud, you need to:

1. Choose your partner cloud provider from the dropdown (Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure, or OCI when available).
2. Provide your account details for that partner cloud (e.g., project ID, subscription ID).
3. Specify the VPC or virtual network in the partner cloud that will connect to your AWS VPC.
4. Define routing policies – you can let AWS auto-propagate routes or manually specify.
5. Review the encryption settings: by default, IEEE 802.1AE MACsec is enabled on physical links between AWS and the partner. Note that each partner manages encryption independently on its backbone – verify compliance with your security requirements.

Step 5: Configure Last-Mile Connectivity (if applicable)

If you selected Last Mile:

1. Select your existing network provider from the list of authorized partners.
2. Enter the service address or circuit ID provided by your network provider.
3. Choose the bandwidth and redundancy options (if available).
4. Specify the on-premises IP ranges that will connect to your VPC.
5. Decide whether you want a Layer 2 or Layer 3 connection. AWS Interconnect – Last Mile operates at Layer 3 by default, but you can customize.

Step 6: Review and Create

Verify all details on the summary page. Check that the VPCs and networks are correctly identified, bandwidth matches your needs, and routing is configured. Click Create to initiate the connection.

Step 7: Complete Partner-Side Configuration (Multicloud)

For Multicloud, you will receive a cloud-side configuration token or guide specific to your partner cloud. Log into the partner’s console and accept the connection. This process varies by provider but typically involves:

• Navigating to the interconnection or private connection section.
• Pasting the provided token or ARN.
• Approving the connection request.

Step 8: Test Connectivity

After the connection is established (usually within minutes), test reachability between resources in your AWS VPC and those in the partner cloud or on-premises network. Use ping, traceroute, or application-specific tests to confirm performance and latency meet expectations.

Tips for Success

• Verify encryption end-to-end: While AWS Interconnect uses MACsec on the physical links, ensure that your partner cloud’s backbone also meets your encryption standards. Review each provider’s documentation for data-in-transit encryption.
• Plan for redundancy: For production workloads, consider setting up two independent Interconnect connections across different locations to ensure high availability.
• Monitor performance: Use AWS CloudWatch metrics for Interconnect to track bandwidth utilization, latency, and error rates. Set alarms to proactively manage issues.
• Manage costs: AWS Interconnect has no upfront costs but charges based on bandwidth and data transfer. Compare with existing VPN or third-party solutions to ensure cost-effectiveness.
• Update security groups and network ACLs: Once the connection is active, adjust your VPC security groups and network ACLs to allow traffic from the new private networks.
• Keep partner cloud networking updated: If you change routes or IP ranges in your partner environment, you must update the Interconnect configuration to avoid connectivity disruptions.
• Use the AWS Interconnect API or CLI for automation: For advanced users, automate connection creation and teardown using the AWS SDK or AWS Command Line Interface.

By following these steps, you can leverage AWS Interconnect to build a robust, managed private network that spans clouds and on-premises, freeing your team from manual networking tasks.