Network-to-network & hybrid connectivity · AWS vs Google Cloud
Direct Connect gateway vs Cloud Interconnect / Network Connectivity Center
Direct Connect gateway maps partly to Cloud Interconnect with global dynamic routing on the VPC network, which reaches all regions from one attachment.
Network Connectivity Center adds site-to-site data transfer between on-premises sites.
Side-by-side comparison
| Aspect | Amazon Web Services | Google Cloud |
|---|---|---|
| Service | Direct Connect gateway | Cloud Interconnect Network Connectivity Center |
| Lifecycle | Generally available | Generally available Generally available |
| What it is | Global 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. | Dedicated Interconnect and Partner Interconnect private connections, with VLAN attachments. Hub-and-spoke connectivity among VPC spokes and hybrid spokes (VPN, Interconnect, router appliances). |
| Pricing model | Direct Connect gateways are free. You pay for ports and data transfer, and SiteLink has its own hourly and per-GB charges. | Interconnect hourly charges plus cross-region data transfer. |
| Docs | Direct Connect gateway docs | Cloud Interconnect docs Network Connectivity Center docs |
| Pricing page | Direct Connect gateway pricing | Cloud Interconnect pricing |
Key differences
- Traffic to other regions through a VLAN attachment pays cross-region rates.
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 →
- GCP
- Interconnect hourly charges plus cross-region data transfer. Cloud Interconnect pricing →
And on Azure?
Partial match Azure's equivalent is ExpressRoute Global Reach. AWS vs Azure comparison →
FAQ
What is the Google Cloud equivalent of Direct Connect gateway?
Direct Connect gateway maps partly to Cloud Interconnect with global dynamic routing on the VPC network, which reaches all regions from one attachment. Network Connectivity Center adds site-to-site data transfer between on-premises sites.
How does pricing compare between Direct Connect gateway and Cloud Interconnect and Network Connectivity Center?
AWS: Direct Connect gateways are free. You pay for ports and data transfer, and SiteLink has its own hourly and per-GB charges. Google Cloud: Interconnect hourly charges plus cross-region data transfer. Check the official pricing pages for current rates.
What is the Azure equivalent?
ExpressRoute Global Reach (partial match). Microsoft maps Direct Connect gateways to ExpressRoute Global Reach.