Cloud connect, specifically Cloud Connect via Network Service Providers (NSPs), works by creating a direct and private network connection to cloud services. This bypasses the public internet, offering improved security and performance. NSPs play a crucial role in establishing and managing these connections.
Here's a breakdown of how it works:
- Direct Physical Links: Network Service Providers (NSPs) build direct physical links between their backbone and the Cloud Service Providers' (CSPs) infrastructure. This is the foundation of cloud connect.
- Private Connectivity: This direct link enables private, secure connectivity. Your data travels directly between your organization and the cloud provider, without traversing the public internet.
- NSP Network Integration: The connection extends all the way to your organization's on-premises infrastructure via the NSP's existing network.
Benefits of Cloud Connect
Using cloud connect offers several advantages:
- Improved Security: A private connection reduces the risk of data breaches compared to using the public internet.
- Enhanced Performance: Direct connections offer lower latency and more consistent bandwidth, leading to improved application performance.
- Greater Reliability: Cloud connect solutions typically offer service level agreements (SLAs) that guarantee uptime and performance.
- Cost Savings: In certain scenarios, bypassing internet transit costs can result in cost savings.
Cloud Connect Architecture
The following table illustrates a simplified view of a Cloud Connect architecture:
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| On-Premises Network | Your organization's internal network infrastructure. |
| NSP Network | The network of the Network Service Provider. |
| Direct Physical Link | The dedicated connection between the NSP's network and the CSP's infrastructure. |
| Cloud Service Provider (CSP) | The provider of the cloud services you are using (e.g., AWS, Azure, Google Cloud). |
Example Scenario
Imagine a financial institution that needs to securely and reliably transfer large amounts of sensitive data to a cloud-based analytics platform. Instead of using the public internet, they can use cloud connect. The NSP builds a direct physical link from its network to the cloud provider's infrastructure. The financial institution then connects to the NSP's network, and their data travels privately and securely to the cloud.
