How to Simplify Hybrid and Multicloud Connectivity with AWS Interconnect

<h2>Introduction</h2> <p>Managing network connections across multiple cloud providers or between your on-premises infrastructure and the cloud can be a complex, time-consuming task. <strong>AWS Interconnect</strong> now offers a managed, turnkey solution to this challenge. This guide walks you through setting up both <em>multicloud</em> and <em>last-mile</em> connectivity using the AWS Interconnect service, helping you achieve private, high-speed, and secure connections without the heavy lifting.</p><figure style="margin:20px 0"><img src="https://d2908q01vomqb2.cloudfront.net/da4b9237bacccdf19c0760cab7aec4a8359010b0/2026/04/14/Option-2-2.png" alt="How to Simplify Hybrid and Multicloud Connectivity with AWS Interconnect" style="width:100%;height:auto;border-radius:8px" loading="lazy"><figcaption style="font-size:12px;color:#666;margin-top:5px">Source: aws.amazon.com</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="what-you-need">What You Need</h2> <ul> <li>An active AWS account with appropriate IAM permissions to create Interconnect connections</li> <li>An existing Amazon VPC with at least one subnet</li> <li>For multicloud connections: an account with a supported partner cloud provider (Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure, or Oracle Cloud Infrastructure; OCI support coming later in 2026)</li> <li>For last-mile connections: an existing network provider agreement or relationship with a listed partner on the AWS Interconnect marketplace</li> <li>Familiarity with your network requirements (bandwidth, region, and location)</li> <li>Administrative access to the partner cloud console (if using multicloud)</li> </ul> <h2 id="steps">Step-by-Step Guide</h2> <h3>Step 1: Log into the AWS Management Console</h3> <p>Navigate to the <strong>Interconnect</strong> section in the AWS Console. You will see two capability options: <em>Multicloud</em> and <em>Last Mile</em>. Choose the one that matches your use case.</p> <h3>Step 2: Select Your Interconnect Capability</h3> <p>Click on either <strong>AWS Interconnect – Multicloud</strong> or <strong>AWS Interconnect – Last Mile</strong>. The Console guides you through the configuration steps for each.</p> <h3>Step 3: Provide Basic Connection Details</h3> <p>Under your chosen capability, specify:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Connection name</strong> – a human-readable label.</li> <li><strong>Preferred Region</strong> – the AWS Region where your VPC resides.</li> <li><strong>Bandwidth requirement</strong> – select from the available options (e.g., 1 Gbps, 10 Gbps).</li> <li><strong>Location</strong> – choose the nearest interconnection facility or point of presence from the list.</li> </ul> <h3>Step 4: Configure Multicloud Connectivity (if applicable)</h3> <p>If you selected <strong>Multicloud</strong>, you need to:</p> <ol> <li>Choose your partner cloud provider from the dropdown (Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure, or OCI when available).</li> <li>Provide your account details for that partner cloud (e.g., project ID, subscription ID).</li> <li>Specify the VPC or virtual network in the partner cloud that will connect to your AWS VPC.</li> <li>Define routing policies – you can let AWS auto-propagate routes or manually specify.</li> <li>Review the encryption settings: by default, <strong>IEEE 802.1AE MACsec</strong> is enabled on physical links between AWS and the partner. Note that each partner manages encryption independently on its backbone – verify compliance with your security requirements.</li> </ol> <h3>Step 5: Configure Last-Mile Connectivity (if applicable)</h3> <p>If you selected <strong>Last Mile</strong>:</p> <ol> <li>Select your existing network provider from the list of authorized partners.</li> <li>Enter the service address or circuit ID provided by your network provider.</li> <li>Choose the bandwidth and redundancy options (if available).</li> <li>Specify the on-premises IP ranges that will connect to your VPC.</li> <li>Decide whether you want a Layer 2 or Layer 3 connection. AWS Interconnect – Last Mile operates at Layer 3 by default, but you can customize.</li> </ol> <h3>Step 6: Review and Create</h3> <p>Verify all details on the summary page. Check that the VPCs and networks are correctly identified, bandwidth matches your needs, and routing is configured. Click <strong>Create</strong> to initiate the connection.</p><figure style="margin:20px 0"><img src="https://a0.awsstatic.com/aws-blog/images/Voiced_by_Amazon_Polly_EN.png" alt="How to Simplify Hybrid and Multicloud Connectivity with AWS Interconnect" style="width:100%;height:auto;border-radius:8px" loading="lazy"><figcaption style="font-size:12px;color:#666;margin-top:5px">Source: aws.amazon.com</figcaption></figure> <h3>Step 7: Complete Partner-Side Configuration (Multicloud)</h3> <p>For <strong>Multicloud</strong>, you will receive a cloud-side configuration token or guide specific to your partner cloud. Log into the partner’s console and accept the connection. This process varies by provider but typically involves:</p> <ul> <li>Navigating to the interconnection or private connection section.</li> <li>Pasting the provided token or ARN.</li> <li>Approving the connection request.</li> </ul> <h3>Step 8: Test Connectivity</h3> <p>After the connection is established (usually within minutes), test reachability between resources in your AWS VPC and those in the partner cloud or on-premises network. Use ping, traceroute, or application-specific tests to confirm performance and latency meet expectations.</p> <h2 id="tips">Tips for Success</h2> <ul> <li><strong>Verify encryption end-to-end:</strong> While AWS Interconnect uses MACsec on the physical links, ensure that your partner cloud’s backbone also meets your encryption standards. Review each provider’s documentation for data-in-transit encryption.</li> <li><strong>Plan for redundancy:</strong> For production workloads, consider setting up two independent Interconnect connections across different locations to ensure high availability.</li> <li><strong>Monitor performance:</strong> Use AWS CloudWatch metrics for Interconnect to track bandwidth utilization, latency, and error rates. Set alarms to proactively manage issues.</li> <li><strong>Manage costs:</strong> AWS Interconnect has no upfront costs but charges based on bandwidth and data transfer. Compare with existing VPN or third-party solutions to ensure cost-effectiveness.</li> <li><strong>Update security groups and network ACLs:</strong> Once the connection is active, adjust your VPC security groups and network ACLs to allow traffic from the new private networks.</li> <li><strong>Keep partner cloud networking updated:</strong> If you change routes or IP ranges in your partner environment, you must update the Interconnect configuration to avoid connectivity disruptions.</li> <li><strong>Use the AWS Interconnect API or CLI for automation:</strong> For advanced users, automate connection creation and teardown using the AWS SDK or AWS Command Line Interface.</li> </ul> <p>By following these steps, you can leverage AWS Interconnect to build a robust, managed private network that spans clouds and on-premises, freeing your team from manual networking tasks.</p>