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

Want to seamlessly connect your DigitalOcean VPC with Microsoft Azure for enhanced network performance? This guide provides a detailed, step-by-step approach to connecting DigitalOcean and Azure using Megaport Cloud Router (MCR), enabling high-bandwidth, low-latency connections between the two platforms. Learn how to establish secure and reliable connectivity for your cross-cloud applications and data workflows.

Why Connect DigitalOcean and Azure? Unlock Hybrid Cloud Benefits

Connecting your DigitalOcean VPC to Microsoft Azure offers several compelling advantages:

• Enhanced Performance: Establish high-speed, low-latency connections for demanding applications.
• Seamless Data Transfer: Facilitate efficient data replication, backup, and disaster recovery processes.
• Hybrid Cloud Flexibility: Distribute workloads across both platforms, optimizing resource utilization and cost.
• Improved Security: Create secure and private connections, minimizing exposure to public internet threats.

This process requires a DigitalOcean partner attachment, a Megaport Cloud Router (MCR) with two VXCs, and Microsoft Azure ExpressRoute.

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

A Megaport Cloud Router (MCR) acts as a virtual router in the Megaport network, facilitating connectivity between different cloud environments and on-premise infrastructures. Think of it as a central hub for your cloud connections, offering streamlined management and control.

Here's why an MCR matters:

• Simplified Management: A single pane of glass to manage all your cross-cloud connections.
• Optimized Routing: Intelligent routing capabilities to minimize latency and maximize throughput.
• Enhanced Security: Built-in security features to protect against unauthorized access.
• Real-time Monitoring: Gain complete visibility into your network performance.
• Scalability and Reliability: Easily scale your bandwidth as needed while ensuring high availability.

Prerequisites: What You'll Need to Get Started

Before you begin, ensure you have the following:

• DigitalOcean Account: With a configured VPC in a supported region (e.g., New York, Amsterdam).
• Microsoft Azure Account: An active Azure subscription is essential.
• Megaport Account: Access to Megaport Cloud Router (MCR) services.

Step 1: Create a Partner Attachment on DigitalOcean

A DigitalOcean partner attachment 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.

   • Select the Region and VPC you want to connect.
   • Choose the desired bandwidth plan.
   • Configure Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) settings. (You can leave all as default)
     • BGP authentication key
     • ASN
     • Local Router IP
     • Peer Router IP
   • Give it a Name and click Create partner Attachment.

4. Important: Copy the generated Megaport Service Key. You'll need this later! The Megaport Service Key is used to establish the VXC.

Step 2: Create a Megaport Cloud Router (MCR)

Now, create the central hub for your connections within the Megaport portal.

1. Log in to your Megaport account.
2. Navigate to Services -> Create MCR.
3. Select a location near your DigitalOcean and Azure data centers for optimal performance.
4. Configure the MCR:
   • Rate Limit: Choose a rate limit based on your bandwidth requirements.
   • MCR Name: Enter a descriptive name for your MCR.
   • Minimum Term: Choose "No Minimum Term" for testing purposes.
   • ASN: Leave as default (133937) unless otherwise configured.
5. Deploy the MCR and note the MCR ID.
6. Complete the order by setting up billing details.

Step 3: Create a VXC on Megaport to DigitalOcean

Next, create a Virtual Cross Connection (VXC) to bridge your DigitalOcean partner attachment to your MCR.

1. In the Megaport portal, under the created MCR, select Add Connection.
2. Choose DigitalOcean.
3. Enter the Service Key from Step 1. Megaport validates the key. Click Next.
4. Enter a Connection Name.
5. Select a Rate Limit (based on bandwidth from Step 1).
6. Choose a Minimum Term.
7. Leave the Interface IP Address blank (optional).
8. Click Add BGP Connection, and:
   • Use the Local IP configured earlier.
   • Enter BGP details from Step 1.
   • Use the BGP Password from Step 1.
9. Verify all information.
10. Click Next, then Add VXC.
11. Finalize the order to complete the VXC setup.

Step 4: Create a VXC on Megaport to Azure ExpressRoute

Establish the connection to Azure by creating another VXC from your MCR to Azure ExpressRoute.

1. Log into the Azure Portal.
2. Navigate to Create a Resource -> Networking -> ExpressRoute.
3. Enter a name for the 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 Service Key.
   • Complete the VXC configuration to link to Azure ExpressRoute.

For detailed Azure ExpressRoute setup instructions, refer to the [Megaport + Azure ExpressRoute PDF](URL Megaport Azure).

Step 5: Verify Connectivity - Ensure a Successful Connection

Confirm that all connections are up and running.

1. In DigitalOcean, verify the Partner Attachment status. It should be active.
2. In Megaport, ensure both VXCs are active and properly configured, look for green status indicators.
3. In Azure, check that the ExpressRoute link is up and running.
4. Test: Ping an Azure instance from a DigitalOcean Droplet to confirm network connectivity. Connectivity via ICMP is the standard for this kind of connection.

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

• What is the Megaport Cloud Router (MCR)?

  The Megaport Cloud Router (MCR) is a virtual routing service that enables direct, high-performance connections between multiple cloud providers and on-premise infrastructure. It simplifies network management, optimizes routing, and enhances security.

• What are the benefits of using the MCR?

  The MCR offers centralized management, advanced routing, enhanced security, real-time monitoring, scalability, and reliability for your cloud connections.

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

  Log into the Megaport portal, navigate to Services -> Create MCR, choose a location, configure the MCR settings, and deploy it. Refer to the [official documentation on Configuring an MCR.](URL Megaport Configuring MCR)

• How do I create a VXC on Megaport to DigitalOcean?

  In the Megaport portal, add a connection under your MCR, select DigitalOcean, enter the Service Key, configure the connection details, and add the VXC. Refer to the [official documentation on Creating MCR connections on DigitalOcean Infrastructure.](URL Megaport Creating MCR Connections DigitalOcean)

• How do I create a VXC on Megaport to Azure ExpressRoute?

  In the Azure Portal, create an ExpressRoute circuit and select Megaport. Then, in the Megaport portal, add a connection under your MCR, select Azure, enter the Service Key, and complete the VXC configuration.

• How do I verify connectivity?

  Check the Partner Attachment status in DigitalOcean, ensure both VXCs are active in Megaport, verify the ExpressRoute link in Azure, and test connectivity by pinging an Azure instance from a DigitalOcean Droplet.

Conclusion: Unleash the Power of Cross-Cloud Connectivity

Congratulations! You've successfully connected your DigitalOcean VPC to Microsoft Azure using Megaport. This setup provides a robust and efficient network infrastructure for running demanding applications across both cloud platforms. Explore the [official Megaport Cloud Router (MCR) Documentation](URL Megaport MCR Documentation) for advanced configuration options and features. Now you can leverage the combined power of DigitalOcean and Azure.