Are you sure your cloud network design makes the best trade-offs between scale, cost, and operational simplicity?
This article starts a comparison of AWS Transit Gateway. It aims to help you choose between Azure Virtual WAN and AWS. You’ll learn about the practical differences in features, hybrid connectivity, and where each fits in enterprise designs.
Start here for a neutral look at cloud network hubs. We’ll cover dynamic L3 routing, ECMP, SD-WAN integration, and native on-prem interconnects. Our goal is to give you clear criteria to judge which cloud network hub meets your needs.
Key Takeaways
- AWS Transit Gateway acts as a centralized, scalable cloud router for VPCs and on-prem networks.
- Azure Virtual WAN focuses on integrated hub routing and global transit mesh for Microsoft-centric environments.
- Compare aws transit gateway features like ECMP and Connect against Virtual WAN’s hub model for your traffic patterns.
- Consider microsoft cloud gateway alternatives when you need tight integration with ExpressRoute or Azure Firewall.
- Use this guide to weigh aws vs azure networking trade-offs for performance, security, and cost.
AWS TGW comparison, Azure VWAN vs AWS, Microsoft cloud gateway alternatives
This comparison looks at the main features of two top cloud network hubs. AWS Transit Gateway is a scalable L3 hub with ECMP and Transit Gateway Connect for SD‑WAN and appliance integration. Azure Virtual WAN offers a single interface for branch connectivity, VPN, ExpressRoute, and partner automation.
Use this guide to understand cloud networking better. It shows how different providers offer global reach and hybrid focus. It also explains the tradeoffs you must consider when choosing cloud networking solutions for your business.
What this comparison covers
The review covers key areas to evaluate: routing and scale, hybrid interconnect, branch and SD‑WAN support, security integration, telemetry, and pricing. You’ll see how Transit Gateway’s L3 model compares to Virtual WAN’s virtual hubs, including Basic versus Standard capabilities.
It also looks at partner automation, hub provisioning steps, and router throughput. This helps you match vendor features to your traffic patterns and branch needs. This review aims to help you narrow your options before deeper testing.
How to use this guide to evaluate cloud network hubs for your enterprise
Start by mapping your network: number of sites, VPCs/VNets, and expected traffic flows. Use that map to compare performance limits and routing controls. When comparing AWS TGW, check ECMP behavior, attachment limits, and Transit Gateway Connect support for virtual appliances.
For Azure VWAN vs AWS decisions, measure branch automation needs, ExpressRoute integration, and hub router throughput. Review telemetry and management tools to meet compliance and operational goals. Look at Microsoft cloud gateway alternatives if you need features like ExpressRoute Direct or VPN Gateway variants.
Follow a checklist: 1) define traffic and security requirements, 2) model costs and egress patterns, 3) test control-plane and data-plane behavior, and 4) validate partner SD‑WAN automation. This stepwise approach keeps comparing cloud networking solutions practical and tied to your business outcomes.
| Evaluation Area | AWS Transit Gateway | Azure Virtual WAN |
|---|---|---|
| Core model | Scalable L3 hub with route propagation and ECMP | Virtual hubs with hub router, global transit mesh, Basic/Standard tiers |
| Branch & SD‑WAN | Transit Gateway Connect for SD‑WAN partner integration | Partner automation and native branch VPN orchestration |
| Hybrid interconnect | Direct Connect attachments, DX Gateway integration | ExpressRoute, ExpressRoute Direct and circuit integration |
| Routing controls | Route tables per attachment, propagation control, ECMP | Hub route tables, route filters, propagation options |
| Security & telemetry | AWS Network Firewall, VPC Flow Logs, CloudWatch | Azure Firewall, Network Watcher, Azure Monitor |
| Operational model | API-driven, mature CLI and SDK ecosystem | Centralized hub provisioning, partner-driven automation |
| Cost factors | Per-attachment and per-GB data charges for many flows | Hub hourly costs, data transfer and hub unit throughput billing |
Overview: What are AWS Transit Gateway and Azure Virtual WAN
Before choosing a cloud network hub, understand the two main options. Both aim to simplify routing and increase connectivity. Yet, they cater to different needs and integration styles. This overview explains what each service does and how it fits into your cloud strategy.
Core purpose and target audience for AWS Transit Gateway
AWS Transit Gateway is a central, managed cloud router. It connects Amazon VPCs, on-prem networks, and VPNs. It supports dynamic and static L3 routing and load distribution.
Consider Transit Gateway for a hub that simplifies VPC peering. It’s great for cloud-native workloads needing precise routing and performance.
Core purpose and target audience for Azure Virtual WAN
Azure Virtual WAN centralizes networking, security, and routing. It has managed hubs for site-to-site VPN, point-to-site VPN, and ExpressRoute. It also offers transitive VNet connectivity and integrated security appliances.
This service is for organizations with many branches or strong Microsoft use. It simplifies branch-to-cloud connectivity and management.
Microsoft gateway family and complementary Azure networking services
Microsoft has more gateway services for specific needs. ExpressRoute offers private connections for low latency and high throughput. VPN Gateway handles site-to-site and point-to-site tunnels.
Azure Route Server enables dynamic routing with BGP inside VNets. This makes integrating third-party appliances easier. When looking at alternatives, consider ExpressRoute, VPN Gateway, Route Server, Azure Firewall, and Network Watcher together. They provide a full toolkit for cloud interconnect and visibility.
Transit gateway architecture and design patterns
When planning cloud transit, it’s key to understand design patterns. This helps match your needs with the right platform. We’ll cover important architectural concepts, compare deployment models, and show where each cloud offers managed routing or customer control.
The AWS Transit Gateway uses a hub-and-spoke router. It connects VPCs, VPNs, and on-premises sites. You get dynamic L3 routing and support for static routes.
ECMP balances traffic across multiple paths. Transit Gateway Connect integrates SD-WAN appliances for higher bandwidth. These features give you detailed control over routing.
Azure Virtual WAN has virtual hubs and managed hub routers. Standard Virtual WAN creates a global transit mesh for any-to-any connectivity. Basic Virtual WAN supports site-to-site VPN only.
Hubs expose virtual network connections and route tables. They also report provisioning status. This architecture streamlines branch automation and partner SD-WAN onboarding.
Design choices depend on your needs. AWS is best for fine-grained routing and direct control. Azure is better for automated branch rollouts and global transit.
Consider performance and operational needs. A full-mesh virtual WAN is good for multi-region enterprises. AWS features like route propagation controls and Connect for SD-WAN simplify traffic engineering.
Security and policy placement differ by model. Azure’s managed hub routers centralize enforcement points. AWS lets you place third-party appliances in VPCs or use Network Firewall for tailored inspection.
Choose architecture based on your operational model and skill set. AWS is for tight control and custom routing. Azure is for automated branch connectivity and a global transit fabric.
Connectivity options and hybrid cloud connectivity
You need reliable links between on‑premises sites and cloud hubs. Hybrid cloud connectivity options include private circuits, encrypted tunnels, and SD‑WAN integrations. The right path affects latency, security, and management.
On‑premises interconnect: AWS Direct Connect vs Azure ExpressRoute
AWS Direct Connect offers a dedicated circuit into Amazon Web Services. It ensures predictable throughput and lower egress costs. It also pairs well with transit gateway architecture for easier routing.
ExpressRoute provides a private connection to Microsoft Azure, bypassing the public internet. You can use it with Azure Virtual WAN for global routing. It also supports IPsec over ExpressRoute for extra encryption.
VPN options: site‑to‑site, point‑to‑site, and SD‑WAN integration
Site‑to‑site VPNs are a fast way to connect branch routers to cloud hubs. They use IKEv2 IPsec for strong security and BGP for dynamic routing.
Point‑to‑site VPNs support remote users with OpenVPN or IPsec clients. They keep mobile workforces secure without changing the network.
Transit Gateway Connect integrates SD‑WAN appliances into AWS using GRE and BGP. It lets you extend vendor‑managed overlays into the cloud. Virtual WAN partner automation exports device configs for easy SD‑WAN integration.
Multi‑cloud connectivity and cloud interconnect approaches
For architectures spanning providers, plan for multi‑cloud connectivity. AWS offers Transit Gateway peering and Cloud WAN patterns for linking regions and accounts. Azure uses hub‑to‑hub links inside Virtual WAN for a global mesh.
Many SD‑WAN vendors offer multi‑cloud orchestration. They place appliances or virtual routers in each cloud for failover and optimized path selection. Use private circuits and encrypted VPN overlays to meet performance and compliance goals.
| Use Case | AWS Option | Azure Option | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low latency private link | AWS Direct Connect with transit gateway architecture | ExpressRoute via Virtual WAN | Predictable throughput and reduced internet dependence |
| Branch-to-cloud connectivity | Site-to-site VPN to Transit Gateway | Site-to-site IPsec to Virtual WAN | Rapid deployment and dynamic routing with BGP |
| Remote workforce | Client VPN or Transit Gateway‑backed solutions | Point-to-site (OpenVPN/IPsec) via Virtual WAN | Secure access without complex on‑site changes |
| SD‑WAN integration | Transit Gateway Connect (GRE/BGP) | Virtual WAN partner automation | Centralized policy and vendor automation for branches |
| Multi‑cloud routing | Transit Gateway peering, Cloud WAN patterns | Virtual WAN hub‑to‑hub links | Consistent routing and easier cross‑cloud traffic flows |
Routing, protocols, and BGP in cloud
Understanding routing and protocols is key to navigating a cloud hub. This section covers BGP support, route tables, and transit behavior. It explains how to connect VNets or VPCs to a central gateway.
BGP support and dynamic route exchange
AWS Transit Gateway supports both dynamic and static L3 routing. BGP in cloud designs are used when connecting SD‑WAN appliances. This allows for dynamic route exchange.
Azure Virtual WAN also supports dynamic routing for branch and site connectivity. Virtual hubs use BGP with on-prem devices and the hub router. Branch-to-branch transit relies on BGP and proper hub settings.
Custom routing, route tables, propagation and hub route tables
Both platforms allow for custom routing. AWS Transit Gateway uses route tables per attachment for next hop determination. You can create multiple TGW route tables for different traffic domains.
Azure Virtual WAN exposes hub route tables for fine-grained controls. These tables decide which spoke networks learn which prefixes. Sometimes, you need to remove existing routes before applying new ones.
Transit behavior, route controls, and route isolation for enterprise gateways
Transit behavior depends on topology and policy. A standard Virtual WAN hub forwards traffic between VNets with transit enabled. Transit Gateway passes traffic between VPC attachments based on route tables and settings.
Route controls help isolate workloads or engineer traffic paths. Use selective propagation, multiple route tables, and BGP policies for isolation. Both cloud hubs support isolation through attachment choices and route table applications.
- Define clear routing domains with separate route tables to avoid accidental transit.
- Deploy BGP in cloud links where dynamic failover and prefix filtering are needed.
- Test propagation settings after changes to hub route tables to validate transit behavior.
Performance, scalability, and throughput considerations
When planning an enterprise transit design, focus on measurable limits and scaling paths. Compare how each cloud handles performance scalability. Plan attachments and routes to avoid bottlenecks.
AWS capacity, ECMP, and scaling best practices
AWS Transit Gateway uses ECMP to spread traffic. It supports Transit Gateway Connect for more bandwidth with SD-WAN partners. Segment route tables by traffic type and use multiple attachments for load distribution and redundancy.
Monitor attachment counts and per-VPC flows. This way, you can add parallel links before reaching throughput limits.
Hub router scaling and HIU planning in Azure
Azure Virtual WAN has clear quotas for throughput and hub router capability. Each virtual hub router supports up to 50 Gbps of aggregate throughput. If you expect more workloads, increase hub infrastructure units to raise capacity.
Comparing limits and real-world scaling patterns
When comparing cloud networking solutions, balance throughput numbers with operational behaviors. AWS offers granular scaling controls and customization. Azure Virtual WAN provides managed hub scaling and defined quotas for easier capacity planning.
Use traffic per hub, branch counts, and multi-region transit patterns to size hubs and attachments correctly.
VM workload guidance and practical checks
Watch the default maximums for VM workloads tied to a single hub. Raise hub infrastructure units if you approach those limits. Test typical flows with representative workloads to validate azure virtual wan throughput and Transit Gateway behavior under sustained load.
Track latency, packet loss, and egress billing during tests. This helps you tune topology and routing.
Design tips for predictable performance
- Distribute traffic across multiple attachments and regions to avoid single-hub saturation.
- Segment route tables to limit propagation and keep control plane scaling predictable.
- Use partner SD-WAN for aggregate links where Transit Gateway Connect or hub scaling alone is insufficient.
- Plan capacity with both peak and average traffic in mind to achieve steady performance scalability.
Advanced security, encryption, and compliance controls
You need clear controls to protect data as it moves across public clouds. This section explains how encryption, DDoS defense, and firewall integration work in AWS and Azure. It also talks about private connectivity and logging for compliance.
AWS Transit Gateway supports VPN encryption for site-to-site links. It also integrates with aws network firewall for traffic inspection across VPC attachments. Azure Virtual WAN pairs with azure firewall and third-party NVAs to enforce centralized policies at hub routers. Both platforms let you encrypt data in transit and use managed key options for encryption at rest.
DDoS protection and layered defenses
Each major cloud offers network DDoS mitigation: AWS Shield and Azure DDoS Protection. You can combine these services with aws network firewall or azure firewall to create layered security. This helps stop volumetric attacks while allowing stateful and stateless inspection for east-west and north-south traffic.
Private connectivity and enhanced encryption
If you move sensitive traffic over private links, you can use privatelink on AWS to access services without public IP exposure. On Azure, ipsec over expressroute provides encryption for private ExpressRoute circuits when you require an extra layer of confidentiality. Both vendors support hybrid mixes that pair private interconnects with virtual hub inspection appliances.
Compliance, logging, and telemetry
To meet audits, you’ll need centralized logs and long-term retention. AWS offers CloudWatch, VPC Flow Logs, and integration with AWS Config for change tracking. Azure provides Azure Monitor and Network Watcher for flow diagnostics and packet capture. Use these tools to produce auditable trails, prove encryption usage, and demonstrate alignment with regulatory controls.
Operational recommendations
- Define key policies for hub-level inspection with azure firewall or aws network firewall, then validate rules with staged tests.
- Use privatelink and ipsec over expressroute where services carry regulated data to reduce exposure to the public internet.
- Enable flow logs and monitor alerts in CloudWatch or Azure Monitor to support incident response and compliance reporting.
Operational visibility, management, and troubleshooting
To run reliable cloud networking solutions at scale, you need clear operational visibility. Start by having consistent telemetry across providers. This helps spot bottlenecks and verify security controls quickly.
Tools and telemetry
Use vpc flow logs on AWS to capture traffic metadata for Transit Gateway attachments. Send those logs to CloudWatch or S3 for retention and analysis. On Azure, enable azure network watcher and Network Insights to see end-to-end flows inside Virtual WAN hubs.
Automated configuration and integrations
Automate repetitive tasks with APIs and templates like CloudFormation, ARM, or Bicep. This reduces human error. Virtual WAN partners enable sd-wan provisioning workflows. These workflows push device settings and pull Azure configurations to speed onboarding.
Operational workflows
Follow a repeatable process when deploying a new hub. Create the transit hub, attach VNets or VPCs as spokes, and enable route propagation. Add site-to-site or point-to-site VPNs and verify route tables.
When troubleshooting, trace traffic with flow logs and portal insights. Use router status indicators and Reset Router options in Virtual WAN when a hub shows provisioning faults. On AWS, correlate vpc flow logs with CloudWatch metrics to isolate Transit Gateway path issues.
- Collect logs centrally to support audit and forensic needs.
- Automate rollbacks and staged changes to limit blast radius.
- Integrate SD‑WAN controllers so sd-wan provisioning updates match cloud route policies.
Cost structure and pricing analysis for enterprise environments
Before you decide on a transit design, understand how costs add up. Look at per-hour hub charges, per-attachment fees, and per-GB invoices for traffic. Also, consider data transfer egress and regional egress differentials for monthly bills.
Here are the key pricing factors to examine for an accurate cost model. This will help you tailor your pricing comparison to your workloads.
Pricing factors
- Hourly hub or hub infrastructure unit charges for managed hubs.
- Per-attachment or per-connection fees for VPCs, VNets, or customer gateways.
- Per-GB billing for transit data and data transfer egress across regions and clouds.
- Indirect costs from partner appliances, NAT gateways, and third-party routing instances.
Cost trade-offs
Centralized transit hubs simplify configuration and reduce duplicate egress. But, they come with steady hourly expenses. Point-to-point peering avoids hub fees for small meshes but increases management effort and egress charges for cross-region flows.
When comparing AWS TGW to Azure, note the billing model differences. Azure Virtual WAN includes hub infrastructure unit pricing, while AWS Transit Gateway uses attachments and data transfer metering. An azure vwan vs aws pricing exercise should map each invoiceable item to your traffic patterns.
Tips to estimate and optimize costs
- Model expected traffic flows by peak hour and monthly GB to capture egress-sensitive charges.
- Right-size hub capacity and HIUs, then schedule scaling windows for predictable peaks.
- Use traffic engineering to reduce cross-region hops that inflate data transfer egress fees.
- Consolidate shared services to a single hub where practical to cut duplicate transits.
- Leverage partner automation and SD-WAN integrations to lower operational overhead and connection counts.
| Cost Element | AWS Transit Gateway | Azure Virtual WAN | Impact on Design |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hub/hour | Attachment-based billing plus possible hourly charges for some managed features | Hub infrastructure unit (HIU) or hub hourly-equivalent pricing for Standard hubs | Choose fewer hubs for low fixed cost; scale HIUs for peak needs |
| Per-attachment / per-connection | Per-attachment fees for VPCs, VPNs, Direct Connect gateways | Per-connection charges for VPN and ExpressRoute peers; partner connections vary | Minimize attachments via shared services to reduce recurring fees |
| Data transfer egress | Per-GB outbound charges across AZs and regions; Direct Connect affects rates | Per-GB cross-region and outbound fees; ExpressRoute pricing differs for private peering | Route traffic to cheapest egress paths and use compression where possible |
| Third-party appliances | Marketplace hourly rates plus data metering for transit VNFs | Partner NVA costs and possible BYOL licensing per hub | Include appliance licenses and throughput tiers in the model |
| Operational cost | Management overhead for many peerings; savings with Transit Gateway Connect | Automation via Virtual WAN partners reduces manual configuration time | Factor in engineering hours for scale and daily ops |
Migration and integration strategies
When moving workloads to a central cloud transit layer, you need a solid plan. Start by listing all VPCs and VNets. Then, map out routes and security controls. Begin with a small pilot to test everything and have a rollback plan ready.
How to migrate VPCs/VNets
For AWS, attach VPCs and on-prem VPNs to Transit Gateway. Make sure route propagation works before switching. Use route table testing and staged detach/attach to manage risks.
For Azure, create a Virtual WAN and hubs. Connect VNets via hub virtual network connections. Move site-to-site links to the hub step by step.
Start with one region or business unit for the pilot. Test BGP session stability, then expand. Keep an eye on configuration drift and have fallback VPNs ready until validation is complete.
Integrating third-party NVAs and SD-WAN
Use Transit Gateway Connect for SD-WAN appliances from Cisco or Fortinet. It supports GRE with BGP for dynamic routing and easier failover. For Azure, use Virtual WAN partner automation to export device info and auto-apply configurations on Palo Alto or Check Point appliances.
When integrating third-party NVA, check NAT, security policy order, and high-availability behavior. Test failover and ensure logging streams to your SIEM before going live.
Hybrid scenarios and phased adoption
Plan direct circuits like AWS Direct Connect or Azure ExpressRoute early. Verify BGP sessions and route advertisements across the transit fabric. This ensures hybrid cloud connectivity works as expected. Use a phased adoption model: inventory, pilot, validate, then scale.
During cutover, monitor metrics and use automated rollback triggers. Keep documentation of route tables, BGP neighbors, and firewall rules. This helps with troubleshooting and maintaining compliance.
Practical checklist
- Inventory VPCs/VNets and dependencies
- Run a pilot and test routing, security, and telemetry
- Use transit gateway connect or Virtual WAN partner tools for SD-WAN
- Validate Direct Connect/ExpressRoute and BGP propagation
- Stage cutovers and keep fallback VPNs until verified
Conclusion
You now have a clear framework to decide between AWS Transit Gateway and Azure Virtual WAN. This comparison highlights AWS Transit Gateway’s strengths in granular routing and tight VPC control. On the other hand, Azure Virtual WAN excels in automated branch onboarding and global transit mesh.
When looking at cloud gateway options, consider hybrid links and BGP needs. Also, think about throughput targets and operational visibility. Test SD-WAN integrations to ensure performance before migrating fully.
Next, map your traffic patterns and branch counts. Run a pilot with representative workloads. Compare costs and use monitoring tools to confirm resilience and manageability. This will help you choose the right cloud network hub for your needs.
