Connect DigitalOcean VPC to Azure: A Step-by-Step Guide with Megaport

Need to connect your DigitalOcean VPC to Microsoft Azure? This guide simplifies the process using Megaport Cloud Router (MCR) for secure, high-speed connectivity. Learn how to establish a reliable DigitalOcean Azure connection for your multi-cloud infrastructure.

Why Connect DigitalOcean to Azure?

For organizations leveraging both DigitalOcean and Azure, seamless connectivity is crucial for:

• Hybrid cloud solutions: Integrate applications and services across platforms.
• Disaster recovery: Replicate data between DigitalOcean and Azure for business continuity.
• Scalability: Distribute workloads across environments based on resource availability.

This guide provides a detailed walkthrough of how to use Megaport to establish a reliable and efficient connection between your DigitalOcean and Azure environments, creating a robust hybrid cloud solution.

What is Megaport Cloud Router (MCR)?

A Megaport Cloud Router (MCR) acts as a virtual router in the Megaport network. It enables you to create virtual cross connections (VXCs) to different cloud providers without the need for physical infrastructure. It offers advanced routing, enhanced security, and real-time monitoring capabilities.

Benefits of Using MCR for DigitalOcean Azure Connectivity:

• Simplified management: Centralized control over your cloud network connections.
• Optimized routing: Reduce latency and improve performance.
• Enhanced security: Protect your data with robust security features.
• Scalability: Easily scale your network as your business grows.

Prerequisites for DigitalOcean Azure Connection

Before you begin, ensure you have the following:

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

Step-by-Step: Connecting DigitalOcean VPC to Azure with Megaport

Step 1: Create a Partner Attachment on DigitalOcean

This establishes the connection point within your DigitalOcean VPC.

1. Log in: Access your DigitalOcean account.
2. Navigate: Go to Networking -> Multi-cloud Integrations.
3. **Create:**Click "Create partner Attachment".
4. Select: Specify the region and VPC you're connecting.
5. Bandwidth Plan: Choose the appropriate bandwidth for your needs.
6. Configure BGP:
   • BGP authentication key
   • ASN
   • Local Router IP
   • Peer Router IP (Use defaults unless you have specific requirements)
7. Save Details: Note these BGP values, BGP auth Key and ASN, they will be required later.
8. Name and Create: Give your attachment a descriptive name and click "Create partner Attachment."
9. Copy Service Key: Copy the generated Megaport Service Key for later use.

Step 2: Create a Megaport Cloud Router (MCR)

The MCR acts as the central hub for your cloud connections.

1. Log in: Access your Megaport account.
2. Navigate: Go to Services -> Create MCR.
3. Select Location: Choose a location near your DigitalOcean and Azure data centers.
4. Configure MCR:
   • Rate Limit
   • MCR Name
   • Minimum Term (Choose "No Minimum Term" for testing)
   • ASN (Leave as default unless configured)
5. Deploy: Deploy the MCR and note the MCR ID.
6. Billing: Complete your order by setting up billing details.

Step 3: Create a VXC on Megaport to DigitalOcean

This links your DigitalOcean partner attachment to your MCR.

1. In Megaport portal: Under your created MCR, select "Add Connection".
2. Choose DigitalOcean.
3. Enter Service Key: Paste the Service Key from Step 1. Megaport will validate it. Click Next.
4. Connection Name: Enter a descriptive name.
5. Rate Limit: Select the rate limit matching your DigitalOcean bandwidth.
6. Minimum Term: Choose the appropriate term.
7. Interface IP Address: Leave blank (optional).
8. Add BGP Connection:
   • Local IP configured earlier
   • BGP details from Step 1
   • BGP Password from Step 1
9. Verify: Double-check all information.
10. Finalize: Click Next, then Add VXC. Finalize the order to complete the VXC setup.

Step 4: Create a VXC on Megaport to Azure ExpressRoute

Connect your MCR to Azure using ExpressRoute.

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

Step 5: Verify Connectivity Between DigitalOcean and Azure using Megaport

Confirm the connection is working correctly.

1. DigitalOcean: Verify the Partner Attachment status.
2. Megaport: Ensure both VXCs are active and properly configured.
3. Azure: Check that the ExpressRoute link is up.
4. Testing: Ping an Azure instance from a DigitalOcean Droplet.

Common FAQs

• What is a Megaport Cloud Router (MCR)? It is a virtual router in the Megaport network that enables you to connect virtual cross connections (VXCs) to different cloud providers.
• What are the benefits of using the MCR? The benefits include centralized management, optimized routing, enhanced security and scalability.
• How do I create a Megaport Cloud Router (MCR)? Navigate to the Megaport portal. Click on Services and then Create MCR. Choose a location that is geographically close to both your DigitalOcean data center and AWS region. Configure the MCR by setting the Rate Limit, MCR Name, and Minimum Term. If you are only testing, select No Minimum Term. Finally, deploy the MCR and note the MCR ID, as it will be needed later. You can also follow this official documentation on Configuring an MCR.
• How do I create a VXC on Megaport to DigitalOcean? To create a VXC on Megaport to DigitalOcean, navigate to the Megaport portal. Click on Add Connection under your MCR and select DigitalOcean. Enter the Service Key from Step 1. Megaport validates the key. Click Next. Enter a Connection Name. Select a Rate Limit (based on bandwidth from Step 1). Choose a Minimum Term. Leave the Interface IP Address blank (optional). Click Add BGP Connection, and: use the Local IP configured earlier, enter BGP details from Step 1, and use the BGP Password from Step 1. Verify all information and click Next, then Add VXC. Finalize the order to complete the VXC setup. You can refer to this official documentation on Creating MCR connections on DigitalOcean Infrastructure.
• How do I create a VXC on Megaport to Azure ExpressRoute? To create a VXC on Megaport to Azure ExpressRoute, navigate to the Azure Portal. Navigate to Create a Resource -> Networking -> ExpressRoute. Enter a name for the ExpressRoute and select Megaport as the provider. Complete the template and click Create. After provisioning, copy the Service Key. In the Megaport portal, click +Connection under your MCR and select Cloud -> Azure. Paste the Service Key. Complete the VXC configuration to link to Azure ExpressRoute. For detailed Azure setup, see: Megaport + Azure ExpressRoute PDF.
• How do I verify connectivity? To verify connectivity, check the Partner Attachment status in DigitalOcean. Ensure both VXCs are active and properly configured in Megaport. Verify that the ExpressRoute link is up in Azure. Test by pinging an Azure instance from a DigitalOcean Droplet.

Conclusion

You've now established a secure and high-performance connection between your DigitalOcean VPC and Microsoft Azure using Megaport. This setup enhances network capabilities for workloads spanning both cloud platforms, enabling seamless communication and data transfer between your applications. Further optimize your MCR setup and explore its features using the Megaport Cloud Router (MCR) Documentation.