> ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://notes.kodekloud.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # Direct Connect > AWS Direct Connect offers a private, high-bandwidth link between on-premises environments and AWS, ensuring low latency, high throughput, and enhanced security. AWS Direct Connect provides a private, high-bandwidth network link between your on-premises environment (data center, office, or colocation facility) and AWS. Unlike Internet-based VPNs over IPSec tunnels, Direct Connect offers dedicated 1 Gbps, 10 Gbps, or 100 Gbps connectivity, delivering consistent low latency, higher throughput, and enhanced security. ## Key Components | Component | Description | Role | | ------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------- | | On-Premises Network | Corporate data center or office network with an edge router or firewall. | Terminates the Direct Connect link on your side. | | Direct Connect Location | AWS Partner or colocation facility where your customer router and AWS router meet. | Houses the cross-connect between you and AWS. | | AWS Direct Connect Router | AWS-owned endpoint at the Direct Connect location. | Provides the physical port you lease for the connection. | ## Establishing a Connection 1. **Order a Port**\ Request a 1 Gbps, 10 Gbps, or 100 Gbps port in your chosen Direct Connect location. 2. **Cross-Connect Provisioning**\ Work with the facility operator to install a cross-connect cable between your customer router and the AWS Direct Connect router. 3. **BGP Session Setup**\ Configure Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) peering on both ends to exchange routes dynamically over the AWS global network. Ensure your on-premises edge device supports the desired port speed and BGP configuration. ![The image illustrates a Direct Connect Architecture, showing the connection flow from an on-premise network through a Direct Connect location to an AWS Cloud Virtual Private Cloud (VPC) with private and public services.](https://kodekloud.com/kk-media/image/upload/v1752863419/notes-assets/images/AWS-Networking-Fundamentals-Direct-Connect/direct-connect-architecture-aws-vpc.jpg) ## Virtual Interfaces (VIFs) After your physical link is active, segment traffic by creating virtual interfaces: | VIF Type | Destination | Use Case | | ----------- | -------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------- | | Private VIF | Virtual Private Gateway attached to your VPC | Access private subnets and EC2 instances. | | Public VIF | AWS public endpoints (e.g., S3, DynamoDB) | Reach AWS public services over the AWS network. | Each VIF leverages BGP to advertise and learn routes, ensuring efficient traffic flow. ## Pricing Overview With AWS Direct Connect, you incur two main charges: | Charge Type | Description | | ----------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Port Hours | Hourly fee per provisioned port, regardless of data usage. | | Data Transfer Out | Standard AWS data transfer rates for outbound traffic. (Inbound is free.) | Data transfer rates vary by AWS Region. Always review the [AWS Direct Connect pricing](https://aws.amazon.com/directconnect/pricing/) page for the latest details. ![The image is a summary slide highlighting three points about a service that directly links on-premises with AWS, offers greater throughput and security than VPN, and charges based on port hour and outbound data transfer.](https://kodekloud.com/kk-media/image/upload/v1752863420/notes-assets/images/AWS-Networking-Fundamentals-Direct-Connect/aws-on-premises-service-summary-slide.jpg) ## Links and References * [AWS Direct Connect Documentation](https://docs.aws.amazon.com/directconnect/latest/UserGuide/what-is-direct-connect.html) * [Amazon VPC Pricing](https://aws.amazon.com/vpc/pricing/) * [AWS Global Network](https://aws.amazon.com/global-infrastructure/)