Introduction
If you manage workloads across multiple cloud providers or need to connect branch offices directly to Amazon Web Services (AWS) without the public internet, AWS Interconnect offers a fully managed private connectivity solution. Announced as generally available, this service provides two powerful capabilities: AWS Interconnect – Multicloud for linking your Amazon VPC to other clouds like Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure, and soon Oracle Cloud Infrastructure, and AWS Interconnect – Last Mile for establishing high-speed private links from your on-premises locations through existing network providers. This guide walks you through the setup process step by step, removing the complexity of traditional networking configurations.
What You Need
- An active AWS account with administrative access.
- An existing Amazon Virtual Private Cloud (VPC) in the region you want to connect.
- For multicloud use: accounts with supported partner cloud providers (e.g., Google Cloud, Azure).
- For last-mile use: an agreement with a network service provider that is integrated with AWS Interconnect.
- Appropriate IAM permissions to create and manage Interconnect resources.
- Bandwidth and performance requirements defined for your workloads.
Once these prerequisites are in place, you are ready to configure connectivity that bypasses the public internet, ensuring predictable latency and consistent throughput.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Log into the AWS Management Console
Open your browser and navigate to AWS Management Console. Sign in with your credentials. From the services menu, search for and select AWS Interconnect. The console presents you with a clean dashboard where you can create new connections.
Step 2: Choose Your Interconnect Capability
On the Interconnect dashboard, you will see two primary options: Multicloud or Last Mile. Select the one that matches your use case. The interface adapts to show only the relevant settings for that path.
For Multicloud Connections
Step 3: Select Your Partner Cloud Provider
From the dropdown, choose the target cloud platform: currently Google Cloud and Microsoft Azure are available; Oracle Cloud Infrastructure is coming in 2026. This selection determines the interconnection points and routing options.
Step 4: Choose the AWS Region and Partner Region
Select the AWS Region where your VPC resides, then pick a corresponding region from the partner cloud. AWS automatically shows compatible locations where both clouds have interconnect facilities.
Step 5: Define Bandwidth and Capacity
Specify the required bandwidth (e.g., 1 Gbps, 10 Gbps). You can also set up multiple connections for redundancy. The bandwidth is dedicated and not shared with other traffic.
Step 6: Configure Encryption (Built-in)
AWS Interconnect – Multicloud automatically encrypts traffic on the physical links using IEEE 802.1AE MACsec encryption. No separate configuration is needed for the hairpin link between AWS and the partner cloud. However, review the partner cloud’s own encryption documentation to ensure end-to-end coverage.
Step 7: Review and Create the Connection
Verify your selections in the summary, then click Create. The service provisions the connection within minutes. Your VPC will now have a private, Layer 3 link to the partner cloud, using the AWS global backbone and the partner’s private network exclusively.
For Last-Mile Connections
Step 3: Choose Your Existing Network Provider
Select from the list of integrated network service providers (e.g., telcos, ISPs). The list populates based on your location and available partners.
Step 4: Specify the Originating Location
Enter the physical address of your branch office, data center, or remote site. AWS uses this to find the nearest interconnect point where the provider has direct access to the AWS backbone.
Step 5: Determine Bandwidth Requirements
Choose a bandwidth tier that suits your traffic volume. You can start with a lower bandwidth and scale up later as needed. The connection uses dedicated circuits, bypassing the public internet.
Step 6: Accept the Terms and Create
After reviewing the estimated costs and service terms, accept them and click Create. The provider will coordinate with AWS to activate the last-mile link. Once active, your on-premises network will have a private, high-speed connection to your VPC.
Step 7: Verify Connectivity
After creation, check the connection status in the Interconnect dashboard. You can also test traffic flow by launching a resource in your VPC and confirming that it can communicate with the connected endpoint (e.g., a VM in the partner cloud or a server in your data center).
Tips for a Smooth Setup
- Plan bandwidth carefully: Evaluate current and future traffic loads to avoid under-provisioning. AWS Interconnect supports scalability, but initial sizing saves rework.
- Use redundant connections for high availability: For critical workloads, set up multiple Interconnect connections across different locations or providers to maintain uptime.
- Check partner cloud encryption: While AWS encrypts the physical link, ensure that the partner cloud’s backbone encryption meets your compliance requirements.
- Monitor with CloudWatch: Enable metrics like latency and throughput on your Interconnect connections to proactively manage performance.
- Engage with network providers early: For last-mile connections, confirm with your provider that they support AWS Interconnect’s integration and can meet the requested bandwidth.
- Test with small workloads first: Start with a pilot connection to validate configuration and identify any issues before migrating production traffic.
By following these steps, you can establish private, managed connectivity that reduces manual network management and lets your team focus on applications. AWS Interconnect removes the friction of VPN tunnels, colocation facilities, and third-party fabrics – giving you a turnkey path to multicloud and hybrid networking.