Seamlessly Connect DigitalOcean and AWS: A Step-by-Step Guide Using Megaport

Do you need to connect your DigitalOcean and Amazon Web Services (AWS) environments for a hybrid or multi-cloud setup? Are you struggling with high latency and slow data transfer speeds? This comprehensive guide will walk you through connecting your DigitalOcean Virtual Private Cloud (VPC) to AWS using Megaport, providing a secure, low-latency, and high-performance connection. By the end of this article, you'll know exactly how to connect DigitalOcean VPC to AWS.

Why Connect DigitalOcean and AWS with Megaport?

The DigitalOcean Partner Network Connect, combined with Megaport, unlocks a world of possibilities for organizations leveraging both DigitalOcean and AWS:

• Enhance Application Speed: Integrate your cloud infrastructure for faster application performance.
• Reduce Latency: Streamline data transfer and improve the user experience.
• Boost Data Transfer Rates: Facilitate rapid backup, replication, and disaster recovery processes.
• Improve Reliability: Ensure consistent uptime and data integrity.
• Simplify Multi-Cloud Management: Remove the complexities of managing multiple cloud environments.

These benefits are crucial for businesses operating multi-cloud environments, hybrid cloud environments, or those needing high-bandwidth, low-latency connections.

What is a Megaport Cloud Router (MCR)?

A Megaport Cloud Router (MCR) acts as a virtual router in the cloud, simplifying network connections. It provides a centralized platform for managing connections, offering advanced routing, security, and monitoring.

Key benefits of the Megaport Cloud Router:

• Centralized Management: Manage all cloud connections in one place.
• Optimized Traffic Flow: Reduce latency with advanced routing capabilities.
• Enhanced Security: Protect cloud connections from unauthorized access.
• Real-Time Monitoring: Quickly identify and resolve network issues.
• Scalability: Easily scale your network as your business grows.
• High Availability: Ensure reliable and secure connections.

Prerequisites

Before you begin, make sure you have the following:

• An active DigitalOcean account with a configured VPC in a supported region.
• An Amazon Web Services (AWS) account with an established Virtual Private Cloud (VPC).
• A Megaport account with access to Megaport Cloud Router (MCR) services.

Step 1: Create a Partner Attachment on DigitalOcean

The first step is to create a Partner Attachment on DigitalOcean. This enables your VPC to connect to external networks via Megaport.

1. Log in to your DigitalOcean account.
2. Go to Networking > Multi-cloud Integrations.
3. Click Create Partner Attachment, select Region and VPC.
4. Choose a suitable bandwidth plan.
5. Configure BGP settings (ASN, Local Router IP, Peer Router IP, BGP authentication key), or use the defaults. Save these details!
6. Enter a name for the attachment and click Create Partner Attachment.
7. Copy the generated Megaport service key.

Step 2: Create a Megaport Cloud Router (MCR)

A Megaport Cloud Router is required to route traffic between DigitalOcean and AWS. Use an existing MCR or create a new one.

1. Log in to your Megaport account.
2. Go to Services > Create MCR.
3. Choose a location close to both DigitalOcean and AWS.
4. Configure:
   • Set the Rate Limit and MCR Name.
   • Choose your minimum term or select No Minimum Term for testing.
   • Use the default MCR ASN (133937) unless otherwise specified.
5. Deploy the MCR and note the MCR ID.
6. Complete the order with billing details.

Step 3: Create a Virtual Cross Connection (VXC) on Megaport to DigitalOcean

Now, connect your DigitalOcean Partner Attachment and the Megaport Cloud Router (MCR) using a Virtual Cross Connection (VXC).

You'll need:

• The Megaport service key from Step 1.
• BGP configuration details from Step 1.

Steps:

1. Select DigitalOcean from Add Connection.
2. Enter the Megaport Service key.
3. Click Next.
4. Enter a Connection Name.
5. Select a Rate Limit (can't be updated later).
6. Select your minimum term.
7. Add the Peer Router IP from DigitalOcean to Interface IP Address.
8. Click Add BGP Connection.
9. Select a default local IP from the dropdown.
10. Enter the DigitalOcean Local IP in Peer IP.
11. Enter the DigitalOcean ASN in Peer ASN.
12. Enter the DigitalOcean BGP authentication key in the BGP password.
13. Click Add.
14. Verify, click Next, then Add VXC.
15. Complete the order.

Step 4: Create a Virtual Cross Connection (VXC) on Megaport to AWS

Set up the second VXC to connect the Megaport Cloud Router to AWS.

1. Log in to the Megaport Portal.
2. Navigate to the “Connections” section.
3. Click “Create Connection.”
4. Select “Cloud” as the connection type.
5. Choose “Amazon Web Services (AWS)” as the cloud provider.
6. Select the correct region and the Hosted VIF AWS Connection Type.
7. Enter the name, Rate Limit, and Minimum Term. Click Next.
8. Confirm MCR connection details and click Next.
9. Add the AWS Connection Name & AWS Account ID, and accept the connection request in the AWS Direct Connect Virtual Interfaces section.

Step 5: Verify Connectivity to Ensure a Seamless Network

Once all connections are established, verify connectivity between DigitalOcean and AWS:

1. Verify the Partner Attachment status in DigitalOcean.
2. Check Megaport to ensure both VXCs are active and properly configured.
3. Confirm in AWS that the Direct Connect link is up.
4. Test connectivity by pinging an instance in the AWS VPC from DigitalOcean resources.

Troubleshooting Common API Issues

• Invalid Service Key: Double-check the key.
• BGP Configuration Error: Verify BGP details from your AWS account.
• Connection Timeout: Refresh and try again, or contact Megaport support.
• VXC Not Established: Check AWS Direct Connect Virtual Interfaces status.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the purpose of the Megaport Cloud Router (MCR)?

   The Megaport Cloud Router (MCR) simplifies cloud network connections, offering advanced routing, security, and monitoring capabilities.

2. How do I create a Megaport Cloud Router (MCR)?

   Navigate to the Megaport portal, click Services, then Create MCR. Choose a location, configure the settings, and deploy.

3. How do I create a VXC on Megaport to AWS?

   In the Megaport portal, click Add Connection under your MCR and select Cloud -> AWS. Enter the Service Key, connection details, and BGP configuration.

4. How do I verify connectivity between DigitalOcean and AWS?

   Check the Partner Attachment status in DigitalOcean, VXCs in Megaport, Direct Connect link in AWS, and test by pinging an AWS instance from a DigitalOcean Droplet.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You've successfully established a high-bandwidth, low-latency connection between your DigitalOcean VPC and AWS using Megaport’s Partner Interconnect. This setup enhances network performance for workloads across both cloud platforms, ensuring seamless communication and data exchange. Optimize your setup further with the Megaport Cloud Router (MCR) Documentation.