Introduction to Azure's Routing Preference for Public IP Addresses

Navigating Azure portal can feel like a maze if you're new. Today, we're zeroing in on a specific feature called "Routing Preference" related to Public IP addresses. Think of it as choosing the best route for your internet traffic. Let’s break it down into simple terms, with real-world scenarios for better understanding.

What is Routing Preference in Azure?

Routing Preference in Azure is like choosing between a scenic backroad or a fast highway for a road trip. It’s all about how the data from your Azure Public IP addresses travels to and from the internet. Azure offers two paths:

1. Microsoft Network Option: Imagine this as the exclusive, members-only highway. Your data travels on Microsoft's private global network. It's like flying first class – more reliable, faster, but it might cost a bit extra.

2. Internet (Transit ISP Network) Option: This is the scenic backroad, using public internet routes. It’s like economy class – more economical, a bit slower, and the experience can vary.

Real-World Examples and Use Cases

To help you relate, here are a couple of examples:

• Example 1: International Financial Service

  • Situation: You have a global financial service platform catering to clients worldwide.
  • Choice: Microsoft Network.
  • Why?: For a service where speed and reliability are paramount, the premium Microsoft network ensures that your clients' transactions are swift and secure.

• Example 2: Local Community Blog

  • Situation: You run a blog focused on local community news.
  • Choice: Internet (Transit ISP Network).
  • Why?: Your audience is primarily local, and the blog doesn’t demand lightning-fast data transfer. Here, saving costs with the regular internet route is a smart move.

Key Points to Remember

Cost Implications:

• Microsoft Network Option: The cost for transferring 11TB (11,000 GB) of data from North America on the Microsoft network would be approximately $950 (₹79,036.9 converted to USD).
• Internet (Transit ISP Network) Option: The cost for the same 11TB transfer from North America via this network would be around $876 (₹73,040.75 converted to USD).

No Flip-Flopping:

• Once you select a routing preference for a Public IP address, it's set in stone. Choose wisely based on your needs – performance or cost?

Conclusion

Understanding Azure's Routing Preference for Public IP Addresses is crucial for efficiently managing your Azure resources. It's about finding the right balance between performance and cost for your specific project. Remember, the choice between the Microsoft Network and the Internet (Transit ISP Network) option will significantly impact your bill and data transfer experience. Make your choice with your project’s unique requirements in mind, and embark on a smoother Azure journey!

There's More

Here are some useful links to explore about the topics discussed within this blog post in detail

• https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-network/ip-services/routing-preference-overview
• https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/pricing/details/bandwidth