Connect DigitalOcean to Azure Using Megaport: A Step-by-Step Guide

Want to seamlessly integrate your DigitalOcean and Azure environments? This guide provides a detailed walkthrough on how to connect your DigitalOcean VPC to Microsoft Azure using Megaport Cloud Router (MCR), optimizing network performance for your hybrid cloud infrastructure. You will enhance security, ensure reliability, and reduce latency between your cloud environments by using Megaport to connect Digital Ocean and Microsoft Azure.

Why Connect DigitalOcean and Azure? Benefits of Multi-Cloud Connectivity

Connecting DigitalOcean and Azure opens doors to powerful hybrid cloud solutions:

• Improved Performance: Establish high-bandwidth, low-latency connections for demanding applications.
• Enhanced Security: Securely transfer and replicate data between clouds.
• Disaster Recovery: Build robust backup and disaster recovery solutions across multiple platforms.

What is a Megaport Cloud Router (MCR) and Why Use It?

A Megaport Cloud Router (MCR) simplifies managing cloud network connections. It acts as a central hub, offering:

• Centralized Management: Monitor and control all your cloud connections from a single platform.
• Advanced Routing: Optimize traffic flow and minimize latency for peak performance.
• Enhanced Security: Protect your cloud connections against unauthorized access and cyber threats.

Prerequisites: What You'll Need Before You Start Connecting Digital Ocean and Microsoft Azure

Before diving in, ensure you have:

• A DigitalOcean account with a configured VPC in a supported region.
• A Microsoft Azure account with an active subscription.
• A Megaport account with access to Megaport Cloud Router (MCR) services.

Step 1: Create a Partner Attachment on DigitalOcean for Hybrid Cloud

This establishes the initial connection point within your DigitalOcean VPC.

1. Log in to your DigitalOcean account.
2. Navigate to Networking -> Multi-cloud Integrations.
3. Click "Create partner Attachment."
4. Select the Region and VPC you want to connect.
5. Choose your desired bandwidth plan.
6. Configure Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) settings (ASN, Local Router IP, Peer Router IP, and Authentication Key). You can usually leave these as default. Important: save these BGP settings, you'll need them later!
7. Give your attachment a descriptive Name and click "Create partner Attachment."
8. Copy the generated Megaport Service Key - you’ll need this in Step 2.

Step 2: Deploy a Megaport Cloud Router (MCR)

The MCR acts as the core routing engine for your cross-cloud connectivity.

1. Log in to your Megaport account.
2. Navigate to Services -> Create MCR.
3. Select a location geographically close to your DigitalOcean and Azure data centers.
4. Configure the MCR, including Rate Limit, MCR Name and ASN (leave as default unless otherwise configured).
5. Set the Minimum Term (choose "No Minimum Term" for testing purposes).
6. Deploy the MCR and make note of the MCR ID.
7. Complete the order by providing your billing details.

Step 3: Create a VXC on Megaport to DigitalOcean: Linking Accounts

Create a Virtual Cross Connect (VXC) to link your DigitalOcean Partner Network Connect to your Megaport Cloud Router. This establishes the physical connection.

1. In the Megaport portal, under your newly created MCR, select "Add Connection."
2. Choose DigitalOcean.
3. Enter the Service Key you obtained in Step 1. Megaport will validate it. Click "Next."
4. Enter a descriptive Connection Name.
5. Select a Rate Limit that matches your bandwidth plan selected in Step 1.
6. Choose a Minimum Term (consider "No Minimum Term" for testing).
7. Leave the Interface IP Address blank (optional).
8. Click "Add BGP Connection" and use the saved values from Step 1:
   • Enter the Local IP.
   • Enter the BGP details.
   • Enter the BGP Password.
9. Verify all information, click "Next," then "Add VXC."
10. Finalize the order to complete the VXC setup.

Step 4: Create a VXC on Megaport to Azure ExpressRoute for Enterprise-Grade Networking

This step will provision an Azure ExpressRoute circuit to connect to the MCR and enable the extension of your on-premise network to Azure.

1. Log into the Azure Portal.
2. Navigate to "Create a Resource" -> "Networking" -> "ExpressRoute."
3. Enter a name for your ExpressRoute and select "Megaport" as the provider.
4. Complete the template and click "Create."
5. After provisioning, copy the Service Key.
6. In the Megaport portal:
   • Click "+Connection" under your MCR.
   • Select "Cloud" -> "Azure."
   • Paste the Azure ExpressRoute Service Key.
   • Complete the VXC configuration to link to Azure ExpressRoute.

Step 5: Verify Connectivity Between Digital Ocean and Microsoft Azure

Confirm your setup functions correctly across all platforms for a successful integration.

1. In DigitalOcean, verify the Partner Attachment status is active.
2. In Megaport, ensure both VXCs are active and properly configured.
3. In Azure, check that the ExpressRoute link is up.
4. Test connectivity by pinging an Azure instance from a DigitalOcean Droplet.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What if I encounter errors during the VXC setup? Double-check the Service Keys and BGP configuration details. Ensure the bandwidth limits are consistent across all platforms.
2. How can I monitor the performance of my multi-cloud connection? Use the monitoring tools provided by DigitalOcean, Megaport, and Azure to track latency, bandwidth utilization, and error rates.
3. What are the cost implications of using Megaport? Megaport charges based on bandwidth usage and connection duration. Refer to the Megaport pricing page for details.

Conclusion: Next Steps for Your Multi-Cloud Environment

Congratulations! You've successfully connected your DigitalOcean VPC to Microsoft Azure using Megaport, enabling seamless data exchange. Now, to further optimize your Megaport Cloud Router (MCR) setup and explore advanced features, refer to the official Megaport documentation: Megaport Cloud Router (MCR) Documentation.