Cloud Equivalents

Network-to-network & hybrid connectivity

Direct Connect gateway vs ExpressRoute Global Reach

Microsoft maps Direct Connect gateways to ExpressRoute Global Reach.

The closest AWS feature for linking your own sites over the cloud backbone is Direct Connect SiteLink, which works through a Direct Connect gateway. A Direct Connect gateway also connects one circuit to VPCs and transit gateways in many Regions.

Partial match Use it to: Use one private connection to reach networks in several cloud regions, or link your own sites over the cloud backbone.

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Side-by-side comparison

Private circuits spanning regions and sites: AWS vs Azure side by side
AspectAmazon Web ServicesMicrosoft Azure
ServiceDirect Connect gatewayExpressRoute Global Reach
LifecycleGenerally availableGenerally available
What it isGlobal resource that connects Direct Connect virtual interfaces to VPCs and transit gateways in any Region (except China). With SiteLink enabled on virtual interfaces, it also links your Direct Connect locations to each other over the AWS network.Links ExpressRoute circuits together so on-premises sites can exchange traffic over the Microsoft backbone. Circuits in different geopolitical regions need the Premium SKU.
Pricing modelDirect Connect gateways are free. You pay for ports and data transfer, and SiteLink has its own hourly and per-GB charges.Global Reach is billed per GB, in both directions, between circuits. Premium is a monthly add-on.
DocsDirect Connect gateway docsExpressRoute Global Reach docs
Pricing pageDirect Connect gateway pricingExpressRoute Global Reach pricing
ExamsANS-C01 RetiringAZ-700

Key differences

  • On Azure, reaching virtual networks in many regions from one circuit is a property of the circuit itself (Standard covers the geopolitical region, and Premium covers the world).
  • Site-to-site over the backbone. Global Reach links ExpressRoute circuits so your sites exchange traffic over Microsoft's network. SiteLink does the same for SiteLink-enabled private or transit virtual interfaces attached to the same Direct Connect gateway, bypassing AWS Regions.

Pricing summary

Pricing models only. No prices are quoted because they change by region and over time.

AWS
Direct Connect gateways are free. You pay for ports and data transfer, and SiteLink has its own hourly and per-GB charges. Direct Connect gateway pricing →
Azure
Global Reach is billed per GB, in both directions, between circuits. Premium is a monthly add-on. ExpressRoute Global Reach pricing →

Certification exam mapping

ExamProviderLevelStatus
AWS Certified Advanced Networking – Specialty ANS-C01AWSSpecialtyretiring
The exam is being retired. The last day to take it is Dec 31, 2026. Existing certifications stay active for their three-year period.
Microsoft Certified – Azure Network Engineer Associate AZ-700AzureAssociatecurrent

Relevance is based on each exam's published scope, not a line-by-line objective match. Check the official study guide.

FAQ

What is the Azure equivalent of Direct Connect gateway?

Microsoft maps Direct Connect gateways to ExpressRoute Global Reach. The closest AWS feature for linking your own sites over the cloud backbone is Direct Connect SiteLink, which works through a Direct Connect gateway. A Direct Connect gateway also connects one circuit to VPCs and transit gateways in many Regions.

How does pricing compare between Direct Connect gateway and ExpressRoute Global Reach?

AWS: Direct Connect gateways are free. You pay for ports and data transfer, and SiteLink has its own hourly and per-GB charges. Azure: Global Reach is billed per GB, in both directions, between circuits. Premium is a monthly add-on. Check the official pricing pages for current rates.

Which certification exams cover this topic?

AWS Certified Advanced Networking – Specialty (ANS-C01) [retiring]; Microsoft Certified – Azure Network Engineer Associate (AZ-700).

Related comparisons

Official sources