Multicloud AI & ERP / Cloud Networking, Edge & Zero Trust for AI
Why it matters
Hybrid connectivity carries migrations, backups, shared services and user traffic. When it fails, cloud workloads lose their on-premises dependencies at once. Bandwidth that is too small turns migrations into months and backups into missed windows.
How it works
VPN first, dedicated links next
A site-to-site VPN runs encrypted tunnels over the internet and can be live in a day. It suits early stages and lower bandwidth. Dedicated links (Direct Connect, ExpressRoute, Interconnect) provide private circuits with steady latency and higher throughput for production hybrid estates.
Redundancy and routing
Build two of everything: two connections, ideally in different locations, often with a VPN as backup. BGP exchanges routes automatically, and a central hub joins hybrid links to every cloud network.
AWS, Azure and Google Cloud compared
| AWS | Azure | Google Cloud | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Site-to-site VPN | Site-to-Site VPN | VPN Gateway | HA VPN (99.99% SLA) |
| Dedicated link | Direct Connect | ExpressRoute | Dedicated Interconnect |
| Via a provider | Direct Connect partners | ExpressRoute providers | Partner Interconnect |
| Routing hub | Transit Gateway, DX gateway | Virtual WAN | Cloud Router, NCC |
| Link encryption | MACsec, VPN over DX | MACsec, IPsec | MACsec |
| Cloud to cloud | Partner links | Partner links | Cross-Cloud Interconnect |
What makes each cloud different
AWS
AWS Direct Connect offers dedicated links up to 100 Gbps, and a Direct Connect gateway connects one link to VPCs in many regions. Transit Gateway acts as the hub joining VPNs, Direct Connect and VPCs, with a resiliency toolkit guiding redundant designs.
Azure
Azure ExpressRoute provides private circuits from 50 Mbps to 100 Gbps, and Global Reach links your own sites through Microsoft's network. Virtual WAN hubs combine VPN, ExpressRoute and VNets with automatic routing.
Google Cloud
Google Cloud's HA VPN comes with a 99.99% SLA when built with two tunnels, and Cloud Router handles dynamic BGP. Cross-Cloud Interconnect provides direct links to other clouds, valuable for genuine multicloud architectures.
Design decisions that matter
- 01Size for migration peaks
Bandwidth for the busiest month of migration, not the average.
- 02Two diverse connections
Different locations, with VPN as a cheaper backup if needed.
- 03Dynamic routing everywhere
BGP instead of static routes.
- 04Encrypt private links
MACsec or IPsec for sensitive traffic.
Common mistakes we see
- A single circuit. One fiber cut takes the whole hybrid estate offline.
- Static routes. Failover depends on someone editing tables at 3 a.m.
- Ordering circuits late. Dedicated links can take weeks to provision.
A practical 30-day plan
- Week 1
Measure bandwidth needs and order dedicated circuits.
- Week 2
Stand up HA VPN for immediate connectivity.
- Week 3
Build the routing hub with BGP.
- Week 4
Bring up dedicated links and test failover between paths.
How NTS helps
NTS designs and delivers hybrid connectivity to AWS, Azure and Google Cloud: VPN and dedicated links, routing hubs, encryption and failover testing, coordinated with your carriers and network team.
What you get
- Direct Connect, ExpressRoute or Interconnect designs
- Redundant VPN backup paths
- Routing and failover testing
- Bandwidth and cost monitoring
Typical outcomes
- Reliable, high-bandwidth links to every cloud
- Predictable performance for hybrid applications
- No surprise outages during link failures
How we work with you
- 1Assess
A focused review of your hybrid connectivity across AWS, Azure and Google Cloud. We look for the gaps we find most often: a single circuit, static routes and ordering circuits late.
- 2Design
A target architecture and roadmap built on the decisions that matter most: size for migration peaks, two diverse connections, dynamic routing everywhere and encrypt private links.
- 3Build
Hands-on delivery alongside your team. We measure bandwidth needs and order dedicated circuits, stand up HA VPN for immediate connectivity, build the routing hub with BGP, and finally bring up dedicated links and test failover between paths.
- 4Run and improve
We monitor link health, utilization and costs, and plan capacity upgrades before they are needed.
Why teams choose NTS for hybrid connectivity
- Resilient by design
We build redundant links so one failure never cuts you off.
- Carrier and partner experience
We coordinate providers, locations and circuits on your behalf.
- Tested failover
We prove failover works before you need it.
Book a free 30-minute review
Talk to an NTS architect about your hybrid connectivity on AWS, Azure and Google Cloud.