Questions about Direct Connect Gateways

The method for seamlessly migrating traffic between AWS Direct Connect gateways and the key considerations are as follows:

1. Migration Method: a) Create a new Direct Connect gateway b) Associate Virtual Private Gateway (VGW) or Transit Gateway with the new gateway c) Migrate virtual interfaces (VIFs) from existing Direct Connect connections to the new gateway d) Shift traffic through BGP route adjustment e) Remove the existing gateway
2. Key Considerations: a) BGP Configuration: Set up AS (Autonomous System) numbers and BGP authentication keys b) Routing Policies: Maintain consistency in routing tables for both existing and new gateways c) Bandwidth Capacity: Ensure the new gateway can accommodate existing traffic d) Security Groups and Network ACLs: Adjust to fit the new configuration
3. Minimizing Network Disruption: a) BGP Weight Adjustment: Gradually move traffic to the new gateway b) Parallel Operation: Run both gateways simultaneously for a certain period c) Rollback Plan: Develop a plan to quickly revert to the original configuration if issues arise d) Enhanced Monitoring: Continuously monitor network performance and connectivity during migration

This process allows organizations to minimize service disruptions when upgrading or changing Direct Connect gateways. By leveraging the flexibility of BGP routing, traffic can be gradually transitioned, reducing the risk associated with sudden network changes. Finally, this migration process provides an opportunity for network teams to test and validate the new Direct Connect configuration, with the safety net of being able to quickly revert to the previous configuration if necessary.