Azure Virtual WAN is a networking service that provides a simple, unified, and global connectivity solution for connecting your on-premises sites to Azure. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore how you can leverage Virtual WAN to establish secure site-to-site VPN connections between your local network and your Azure resources.

Understanding Azure Virtual WAN

Azure Virtual WAN is a fully managed, software-defined wide area network (SD-WAN) service that simplifies the process of connecting your branch offices, retail locations, and other remote sites to the cloud. It offers several key benefits:

  1. Automated Large-Scale Branch Connectivity: Virtual WAN makes it easy to connect multiple branch locations to Azure, with the ability to scale up to 1,000 sites per virtual hub.
  2. Unified Network and Policy Management: Manage your entire network and security policies through a single, centralized portal experience.
  3. Optimized Routing using the Microsoft Global Network: When your branch-to-Azure traffic enters the Microsoft network, it stays there, ensuring optimal routing and minimal latency.
  4. Comprehensive Security and Compliance: Virtual WAN is built on Azure’s robust security infrastructure, with industry-leading certifications and compliance.

Getting Started with Virtual WAN

To create a site-to-site connection using Azure Virtual WAN, follow these steps:

  1. Create a Virtual WAN: Begin by creating a new Virtual WAN in the Azure portal. This will serve as the foundation for your global connectivity.
  2. Configure Virtual Hub Settings: Next, set up the basic settings for your virtual hub, which will act as the central connectivity point for your network.
  3. Configure Site-to-Site Gateway: Configure the site-to-site VPN gateway settings, which will enable the secure IPsec/IKE (IKEv1 and IKEv2) VPN connection between your on-premises sites and Azure.
  4. Create a Site: Create a new site for each of your physical locations, representing the on-premises VPN devices that will connect to Azure.
  5. Connect the VPN Site to a Virtual Hub: Connect your VPN site to the virtual hub you previously created.
  6. Connect a VNet to the Virtual Hub: Establish a connection between the virtual hub and your Azure virtual networks.
  7. Download the VPN Configuration: Download the VPN device configuration file and use it to set up your on-premises VPN devices.

Throughout the process, you can also view and edit your VPN gateway settings as needed.

Considerations and Best Practices

When working with Azure Virtual WAN, keep the following in mind:

  • Partner Integration: If you have many sites, it’s recommended to use a Virtual WAN partner to streamline the configuration process.
  • VPN Device Configuration: Familiarize yourself with the VPN device configuration file, which contains the necessary settings for your on-premises VPN devices.
  • Security and Compliance: Azure Virtual WAN is built with robust security and compliance in mind, ensuring your network and data are protected.

By leveraging Azure Virtual WAN, you can simplify the process of connecting your on-premises sites to Azure, optimize your network performance, and benefit from Microsoft’s global infrastructure and security capabilities.

For more information, be sure to check out the Virtual WAN FAQ and the Virtual WAN Overview documentation.