In today's digital landscape, enterprises increasingly adopt multi-cloud strategies to enhance agility, scalability, and resilience. However, managing multiple cloud...
AWS Direct Connect: Pricing, Component, & Features

Experience faster, more secure, and more reliable cloud access with AWS Direct Connect, powered by Tata Communications. As an AWS Advanced Consulting Partner, we offer unmatched design, migration, deployment, and 24/7 management expertise. Our solution ensures dedicated connectivity, optimised performance, compliance adherence, and day-to-day IT infrastructure management—backed by our global network reach. With simplified AWS Direct Connect pricing and end-to-end support, Tata Communications empowers enterprises to take full control of their cloud journey confidently and precisely.
Introduction to AWS Direct Connect
Amazon Direct Connect enables enterprises to establish a dedicated, private network connection between their on-premises infrastructure and the AWS Cloud. Unlike internet-based connections, it offers a more consistent, secure, high-performance experience by bypassing public networks. At Tata Communications, we enhance this with our global network, delivering robust AWS Cloud Connect solutions. With a direct fibre link to AWS, enterprises benefit from lower latency, greater reliability, and end-to-end control—ideal for critical workloads and hybrid cloud strategies. We help you confidently build a secure, optimised, and future-ready cloud network.
Key Components of AWS Direct Connect
At Tata Communications, we simplify enterprise cloud journeys with robust AWS DX solutions. By leveraging our global infrastructure and AWS expertise, we help businesses build secure, scalable, high-performance connections to the cloud. Here's a breakdown of the key components:
- Connections
These are the physical links between your premises and AWS Direct Connect locations.
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- Dedicated Connections: Fully owned and managed by your enterprise for exclusive use.
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- Hosted Connections: These are provided by Direct Connect partners and shared with other customers.
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- Connection Speeds: Ranging from 1 Gbps to 100 Gbps and higher.
- Virtual Interfaces (VIFs)
VIFs allow you to access AWS services using the Direct Connect link.
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- Private VIFs: Connect to your Amazon VPC.
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- Public VIFs: Access AWS public services like Amazon S3.
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- Transit VIFs: Connect multiple VPCs across regions using BGP.
- Direct Connect Gateways
Enable simplified, centralised routing to multiple VPCs across AWS regions.
- Resiliency & Security
Supports high availability with SiteLink and encryption options such as MACsec/IPsec.
- AWS Direct Connect Cost
Charged by port hours and data transfer volume, offering predictable, usage-based pricing.
Understanding the Pricing Structure of AWS Direct Connect
When considering Amazon AWS Direct Connect, it's important to understand pricing so you can plan your cloud strategy effectively. At Tata Communications, we help you navigate this with clarity and confidence.
Direct Connect pricing is primarily based on port hours and data transfer out (DTO). You can choose between dedicated connections, offering a private Ethernet link for a single customer, or hosted connections shared via a Direct Connect partner. You pay only for the port hours used, with no minimum fees, setup charges, or cancellation costs.
For data, AWS charges only for outbound traffic using a tiered pricing model, where the cost per GB reduces as your usage increases. Data transferred into AWS is free. You can use private and public virtual interfaces (VIFs) without extra charges, and bandwidth options range from 50 Mbps to 100 Gbps. As a key AWS partner, Tata Communications ensures cost-efficient connectivity backed by expert support.
Features & Benefits of AWS Direct Connect with Tata Communications
When you choose Amazon AWS Direct Connect with Tata Communications, you're investing in more than just a fast, private connection—enabling smarter, more productive cloud operations.
Benefits
- Simplified Hybrid Cloud Management
Easily manage applications spread across on-premises and AWS environments. Tata's integration ensures smooth data flow and consistent performance.
- Tata's End-to-End Support
From planning and design to deployment and ongoing management, Tata Communications provides expert guidance throughout the process.
- Efficient Cost Management
With no setup or cancellation fees and pay-as-you-go pricing, you gain full control over your cloud expenses without hidden costs.
- Agility at the Speed of Cloud
High-speed, low-latency connections help your teams work faster and more efficiently, supporting real-time collaboration and productivity.
Features
- Flexible Connection Options
You can choose between dedicated or hosted connections, with bandwidth ranging from 50 Mbps to 100 Gbps, tailored to your business needs.
- Global Direct Connect Services
Tata's extensive global network ensures consistent, high-performance connectivity across key AWS regions worldwide.
- Built-in Resiliency and Security
Get enterprise-grade security with encryption options like MACsec/IPsec and ensure uptime with resilient design options such as SiteLink.
- Support for Multiple VIFs
Create both private and public virtual interfaces to connect securely with VPCs or access public AWS services like Amazon S3.
- Dynamic Routing with BGP
Border Gateway Protocol enables efficient and automatic routing updates between your network and AWS, reducing manual efforts.
- Multi-VPC Connectivity
Use Direct Connect Gateway to easily link multiple VPCs across different AWS regions, simplifying your network architecture.
Comparing AWS Direct Connect with Other Connectivity Options
- AWS Direct Connect (AWS direct service)
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- Offers a dedicated, private network link between your premises and AWS.
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- Delivers high bandwidth and low latency for critical workloads.
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- Ideal for consistent network performance and large data transfers.
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- Setup requires physical infrastructure and configuration.
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- Charges are based on port hours and outbound data transfer (AWS direct connect charges).
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- MACsec encryption can be enabled for enhanced security.
- VPN (Virtual Private Network)
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- Uses an encrypted tunnel over the public internet.
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- Easier and quicker to set up compared to Direct Connect.
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- Performance can fluctuate due to reliance on the internet.
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- Cost-effective with no port charges.
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- Best suited for smaller workloads or backup connectivity.
- AWS Transit Gateway
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- Acts as a central hub to connect multiple VPCs and on-premises networks.
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- Simplifies complex network architectures.
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- Offers scalable routing and is ideal for multi-account AWS environments.
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- Charges apply based on attachments and data processing.
- Azure ExpressRoute
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- Similar to AWS Direct Connect but for Microsoft Azure.
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- Provides a private, high-performance connection to Azure resources.
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- It requires a physical setup and offers strong network security.
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- Pricing depends on bandwidth and data usage.
- Remote.It
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- A flexible, software-based solution requiring no dedicated hardware.
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- Enables secure, app-level connectivity without complex network setup.
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- Scales as needed and is ideal for modern, distributed teams.
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- Low operational costs and minimal setup time.
Best Practices for Implementing AWS Direct Connect
To get the most out of AWS Direct Connect with Tata Communications, it's important to follow the right setup practices. These ensure better reliability, performance, and long-term value for cloud investments. Here's how to implement AWS Direct Connect effectively:
- Set Up Redundant Connections: Establish at least two Direct Connect links at different locations to avoid a single point of failure and ensure continuous connectivity.
- Use Private Virtual Interfaces (VIFs): For added security, use private VIFs to connect directly to your VPC, keeping your data off the public internet.
- Leverage the Resiliency Toolkit: Use AWS's Resiliency Toolkit to plan, test, and deploy highly available connections that meet SLA targets.
- Partner with Trusted Providers: Choose experienced AWS Direct Connect partners like Tata Communications for secure, reliable connectivity.
- Monitor and Optimise Performance: Regularly check your network and adjust bandwidth or routing settings for the best results.
- Design for Scalability: Plan infrastructure that can grow with your business and support higher data demands without added complexity.
- Secure Transit Gateway Integration: When using Transit Gateway, ensure different ASNs and set up multiple transit VIFs for resilience.
These practices help reduce AWS direct connect charges while maximising the efficiency of your AWS direct service.
Conclusion
AWS Direct Connect offers a powerful, secure, and high-performance solution for businesses looking to establish a reliable connection between their on-premises infrastructure and AWS. Bypassing the public internet ensures consistent network performance, reduced latency, and enhanced data privacy—making it a preferred choice for enterprises with demanding workloads.
Tata Communications plays a key role as a trusted AWS Direct Connect partner. It offers end-to-end support—from setup and provisioning to ongoing management—ensuring a smooth experience. With Tata's deep cloud expertise, clients enjoy simplified hybrid cloud management, enhanced productivity, and secure data movement across platforms.
Whether you're scaling your operations, optimising hybrid cloud architectures, or enhancing network performance, Tata Communications ensures that your AWS Direct Connect journey is seamless, resilient, and cost-efficient. The combination of world-class infrastructure and expert support makes it the right choice for enterprises looking to harness the full potential of cloud connectivity.
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