In the landscape of modern cloud computing, establishing reliable connectivity stands as a cornerstone. Recognizing the pivotal role of seamless networking, Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) introduces FastConnect as an indispensable solution for integrating on-premises networks with the cloud environment.
Offering private, predictable connectivity, FastConnect boasts port speeds of 1 gig, 10 gigs, and in select instances, 100 gigs, catering to diverse networking needs.
Private Peering: Secure Networking Within Boundaries
Opting for private peering ensures the confidentiality of your data by keeping communication within the confines of a private space, devoid of internet exposure. This option is ideal for maintaining privacy when connecting to resources residing on RFC 1918 addresses within OCI.
Public Peering: Direct Access to OCI’s Public-Facing Services
For interactions with OCI’s public-facing services such as Object Storage or the Autonomous Data Warehouse, public peering offers a secure gateway, bypassing the internet while ensuring uninterrupted connectivity. Remarkably, users only incur charges for the port, eliminating costs associated with data transmission.
Scenarios for FastConnect Deployment
OCI facilitates three distinct scenarios for leveraging FastConnect:
- Direct Connection from Oracle Colocation: For entities colocated with Oracle, a direct connection is established, facilitated by a letter of authority issued to users, enabling seamless integration between OCI and on-premises networks.
- Utilizing Oracle Providers like Cloud Exchanges: Leveraging partnerships with Oracle-accredited providers streamlines connectivity, although availability may vary by region. Users can select compatible partners based on their geographic proximity and operational requirements.
- Engaging Third-Party Providers: In instances where direct connections or Oracle-accredited providers are not feasible, third-party providers offer an alternative route to access OCI’s FastConnect infrastructure, ensuring flexibility and accessibility.
Optimal Use Cases for FastConnect
FastConnect caters to a myriad of use cases, including:
- Latency-sensitive Enterprise Applications: Predictable latency facilitates the smooth operation of enterprise applications, a feature unattainable through conventional VPNs due to reliance on third-party infrastructure and internet connectivity.
- Big Data Transfer: With high-speed connectivity options of up to 100 gigs, FastConnect empowers efficient and secure transfer of large datasets between on-premises environments and OCI, bolstering data-driven initiatives.
- Cloud Migration Strategies: FastConnect serves as a linchpin for seamless migration of on-premises infrastructure to OCI, facilitating ‘lift and shift’ strategies and ensuring continuity of operations with minimal disruption.
Selecting the Right Partner
OCI’s ecosystem encompasses a diverse array of partners, though availability varies by region. Users seeking to leverage partnerships should conduct region-specific assessments to identify suitable partners aligning with their operational requirements and geographic proximity.
Key Considerations and Features
- Bandwidth Flexibility: FastConnect offers scalable bandwidth options ranging from 1 gig to 100 gigs, accommodating diverse networking needs.
- Routing Capabilities: Users can opt for static routing, dynamic routing, or policy-based routing, tailoring routing configurations to suit specific requirements.
- Encryption: While FastConnect itself doesn’t offer encryption, users can implement IP SEC for added security or deploy custom firewall solutions as per their security protocols.
- Service Level Agreement (SLA): Unlike VPNs, which lack SLAs due to reliance on third-party infrastructure, FastConnect guarantees 99.9% availability, ensuring uninterrupted service delivery.
In conclusion, OCI’s FastConnect emerges as a cornerstone solution for establishing secure, high-performance connectivity between on-premises networks and the cloud environment. With its diverse deployment options, robust features, and seamless integration capabilities, FastConnect empowers enterprises to realize the full potential of cloud computing while ensuring data privacy, reliability, and scalability.