A Guide to Set Up an Azure to GCP VPN

Introduction

In today’s cloud-dominated world, businesses are increasingly adopting multi-cloud strategies to harness the unique strengths of multiple cloud providers. Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud Platform (GCP) are two major players in this landscape, offering various services and solutions to meet diverse business needs. However, ensuring seamless and secure communication between these cloud environments is paramount. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of setting up a Virtual Private Network (VPN) connection between Azure and GCP.

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The Need for an Azure to GCP VPN

When organizations decide to operate in multi-cloud environments, the need for secure, private, and efficient communication between these environments becomes apparent. A VPN connection establishes a secure channel over the public internet, allowing data to traverse between Azure and GCP without exposing sensitive information to potential threats. It’s fundamental for enterprises looking to build a robust multi-cloud strategy.

Pre-requisites

Before you embark on setting up an Azure to GCP VPN, ensure that you have the following prerequisites in place:

Azure Account: Access to an Azure subscription with appropriate permissions.
GCP Account: An active GCP account with the necessary access rights.
Virtual Networks: Defined virtual networks in Azure and GCP that you intend to connect.
Public IP Addresses: Public IP addresses for Azure Virtual Network Gateways and GCP VPN Gateways.
Network Security Groups (NSGs): Properly configured NSGs to allow VPN traffic.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Create a VPN Gateway in Azure

Log in to your Azure portal.
Navigate to the virtual network you want to connect.
Click on “Create a resource,” then search for “Virtual network gateway” and create a new gateway.
Configure the gateway settings, including the VPN type (route-based or policy-based) and SKU (Standard or High Performance).
Associate a public IP address with the gateway.

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Step 2: Configure GCP VPN Gateway

Sign in to your Google Cloud Platform (GCP) console.
In the GCP navigation menu, go to “Network Services” > “VPN.”
Click on “Create VPN connection” and provide the necessary details.
Configure the tunnel settings, such as the remote peer IP (Azure VPN Gateway public IP) and pre-shared key.

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Step 3: Configure Connection

In Azure, navigate to the virtual network gateway settings.
Under the “Connections” section, click “+ Add” to create a new connection.
Provide the connection details, including the IP address of the GCP VPN Gateway, and specify the shared key.
Configure the BGP settings if required for dynamic routing.

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Step 4: Create a Local Network Gateway in Azure

In Azure, create a local network gateway representing the GCP network.
Define the IP address of the GCP VPN Gateway and the address space of the GCP network.

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Step 5: Establish VPN Connection

Once the configurations are in place, the VPN connection between Azure and GCP should start establishing automatically.
Monitor the connection status in both the Azure and GCP consoles.

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Step 6: Test and Troubleshoot

Validate connectivity by attempting to access resources across the VPN connection.
Check logs and diagnostic information in case of connectivity issues.
Adjust NSG rules and routing configurations as needed.

Step 7: Monitor and Optimize

Regularly monitor the VPN connection status and bandwidth usage.
Optimize the VPN connection based on performance metrics.
Consider using monitoring tools from both Azure and GCP for better insights.

Conclusion

Setting up a VPN connection between Azure and GCP is pivotal in creating a secure and efficient multi-cloud architecture.

This connection empowers organizations to seamlessly communicate between resources in both clouds while maintaining the highest level of security. By following the comprehensive steps outlined in this guide, you can establish a robust VPN connection that enables your organization to leverage the strengths of both Azure and GCP, driving innovation and growth in the multi-cloud era.

In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, businesses need to be agile and adaptable, and a well-implemented Azure to GCP VPN connection is a key enabler of that agility.

Drop a query if you have any questions regarding VPN connection between Azure and GCP and we will get back to you quickly.

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FAQs

1. What VPN connections can I set up between Azure and GCP?

ANS: – Azure and GCP support standard VPN protocols, such as IPsec, for secure connections. You can choose from route-based or policy-based VPNs based on your requirements. Consult the documentation of both platforms to determine the best choice for your setup.

2. Can I use Azure and GCP monitoring tools for a holistic view of my multi-cloud environment?

ANS: – Yes, integrating monitoring tools from both Azure and GCP can provide a comprehensive view of your multi-cloud setup. You can use Azure Monitor.

WRITTEN BY Kishan Singh

Kishan Singh works as Research Associate (Infra, Migration, and Security) at CloudThat. He is Azure Administrator and Azure Developer certified. He is highly organized and an excellent communicator with good experience in Cyber Security and Cloud technologies. He works with a positive attitude and has a good problem-solving approach.