What is Cloud Connectivity?

Callum Sutton, Technical Director | Estimated Read Time: 30 minutes

What is cloud connectivity?

Cloud connectivity refers to the network infrastructure and services that establish secure, reliable connections between your organisation's on-premises infrastructure, remote users, and cloud service providers (csps) like Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP).

Unlike standard internet connections, professional cloud connectivity solutions provide:

• Private, dedicated pathways to cloud resources

• Enhanced security through encrypted connections and traffic isolation

• Predictable performance with guaranteed bandwidth and low latency

• Compliance-ready infrastructure for regulated industries

• Multicloud capabilities for vendor flexibility and hybrid architectures

Think of cloud connectivity as the digital equivalent of a private motorway directly connecting your office to cloud services, rather than taking the congested public roads of the internet.

How does cloud connectivity work?

Cloud connectivity operates through a combination of network infrastructure, protocols, and services that create secure pathways between your organisation and cloud providers.

The technical foundation

Network infrastructure: Cloud connectivity relies on a global network of data centres, fibre optic cables, and network points of presence (pops) that create the physical foundation for data transmission.

Interconnection points: Major cloud providers establish presence at carrier-neutral data centres worldwide, creating interconnection points where Network Service Providers (nsps) can directly connect to cloud infrastructure.

Routing and security: Advanced routing protocols ensure data takes the most efficient path between your location and cloud services, with multiple security layers protecting data in transit through encryption, access controls, and threat detection.

The connection process: When you access a cloud application through a dedicated connection, your request travels through private, dedicated pathways instead of routing through the public internet. This process ensures reliability, security, and performance that standard internet connections cannot match.

Types of cloud connectivity: your options explained

Understanding the different cloud connectivity methods helps you choose the right approach for your organisation's needs. Here are the main options available:

1. Public internet connectivity

What it is: Standard internet access to cloud services through your existing broadband or leased line connection.

Best for: Small organisations with basic cloud usage, non-critical applications, and budget-conscious implementations.

Advantages:

• Lowest cost option

• Quick to set up

• No additional infrastructure required

Disadvantages:

• Unpredictable performance due to internet congestion with no SLA's

• Security risks from shared infrastructure

• No service level agreements for cloud traffic

• May not meet regulatory requirements

2. Internet with cloud prioritisation

What it is: Enhanced internet connectivity that reserves bandwidth and prioritises traffic for specific public cloud applications.

How it works: Network providers with direct peering agreements create optimised pathways that bypass general internet congestion. Microsoft Azure Peering Services is a prime example.

Best for: Organisations heavily using Microsoft 365, hybrid working environments, and mid-sized organisations needing better performance to Software as a Service (SaaS) apps without dedicated circuits.

Advantages:

• Improved performance for prioritised applications

• Direct peering reduces latency

• Cost-effective performance enhancement

Disadvantages:

• Limited to specific cloud providers

• Still shares some public internet infrastructure

• May not meet strict compliance requirements

3. Direct ethernet connectivity

What it is: Dedicated, private connections between your premises and cloud providers through carrier-neutral data centres.

Examples: AWS Direct Connect, Microsoft expressroute, Google Cloud Interconnect.

Best for: Organisations with high bandwidth requirements, mission-critical applications, and compliance-sensitive environments.

Advantages:

• Guaranteed bandwidth and performance

• Enhanced security through private connectivity

• Predictable latency and zero packet loss

• Cost-effective for high data transfer volumes

• Supports all cloud topologies

Disadvantages:

• Higher initial costs

• Longer deployment times for physical circuits

• Requires technical expertise for BGP management

• Point-to-point connectivity limitation due to anchoring a specific cloud location

4. Optical wavelength services

What it is: Ultra-high bandwidth connectivity using dedicated optical wavelengths for extreme performance requirements (10Gbps to 100Gbps+).

Best for: Large enterprises with massive data requirements, media companies, research institutions, and organisations requiring zero latency tolerance.

Advantages:

• Extreme high bandwidth capabilities

• Zero frame loss and jitter

• Customer-defined routing with diversity options

• Fixed latency guarantees

Disadvantages:

• Highest cost option

• Only available for point-to-point connections

• Limited availability in some regions

5. MPLS IP VPN cloud integration

What it is: Cloud connectivity integrated into existing MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching) private networks, where cloud providers become additional "sites" on your network.

Best for: Organisations with existing MPLS networks, multi-site enterprises, and businesses wanting seamless integration with current architecture.

Advantages:

• Seamless integration with existing networks

• Highly secure private connectivity

• Cost-effective for multi-site organisations

• No need for network redesign

Disadvantages:

• Requires existing MPLS infrastructure

• Can increase latency depending on design

• Less flexibility than newer technologies

6. SD-WAN cloud connectivity

What it is: Software-Defined Wide Area Network technology that intelligently routes traffic between sites, cloud providers, and users.

Best for: Modern enterprises embracing digital transformation, organisations with multiple cloud providers, and businesses requiring dynamic routing.

Advantages:

• Intelligent, dynamic path selection

• Multi-cloud support in single solution

• Application-aware traffic optimisation

• Built-in security and analytics

• Supports any WAN connection, including MPLS and internet connections

Disadvantages:

• Requires network transformation for full benefits

• Potential complexity in initial deployment

• Evolving technology with varying feature maturity

Private vs internet connectivity: key differences

Understanding the fundamental differences helps inform infrastructure decisions:

Performance and reliability

• Internet: Shared bandwidth, unpredictable performance, best-effort delivery

• Private Cloud Connectivity: Dedicated/prioritised bandwidth, direct pathways, SLA guarantees

Security

• Internet: Public infrastructure, multiple compromise points, encryption-dependent

• Private Cloud Connectivity: Private pathways, reduced attack surface, additional security layers

Cost

• Internet: Lower upfront costs, hidden performance-related expenses

• Private Cloud Connectivity: Higher initial investment, predictable costs, reduced cloud egress charges

Compliance

• Internet: Limited compliance guarantees, difficult audit trails

• Private Cloud Connectivity: Compliance-ready infrastructure, full audit capabilities, regulatory alignment

Benefits for UK public sector & healthcare

Direct cloud connectivity offers specific advantages for UK organisations in regulated environments:

Enhanced security and compliance

HSCN and PSN integration: Direct connectivity solutions integrate with Health and Social Care Network (HSCN) and Public Services Network (PSN), ensuring sensitive data remains within approved networks.

Data sovereignty: UK-based providers ensure data remains within UK jurisdiction, meeting government security policies and data protection requirements.

Advanced threat protection: Features include next-generation firewalls, intrusion detection, and real-time threat intelligence protecting against cyber threats targeting public sector organisations.

Improved performance for critical systems

Predictable performance: Healthcare applications requiring real-time access benefit from guaranteed low latency, ensuring patient care systems respond immediately.

High availability: NHS trusts and government departments require 99.9%+ uptime for critical systems, achievable through redundant pathways and failover capabilities.

Scalable infrastructure: Organisations can rapidly scale connectivity for new digital services, telehealth initiatives, or increased remote working.

Compliance and Audit Readiness

Comprehensive monitoring: Full visibility into network traffic and security events supports NHS Digital compliance and government audit processes.

Policy enforcement: Granular controls ensure authorised access with detailed reporting for compliance officers.

Cost optimisation: Reduced data transfer costs and simplified procurement through single UK providers.

Choosing the right cloud connectivity method

Selecting the appropriate approach requires careful consideration of specific requirements:

Assessment framework

Performance requirements: Consider application criticality, latency needs, bandwidth requirements, and uptime expectations.

Security and compliance: Evaluate data classification levels, compliance frameworks (ISO 27001, industry-specific regulations), audit requirements, and data sovereignty needs.

Network architecture: Assess existing infrastructure, number of sites requiring connectivity, current cloud providers, and future multi-cloud plans.

Budget considerations: Determine capital vs operational budget preferences, contract flexibility requirements, and total cost of ownership factors.

Decision guidelines

Choose public internet when: Budget is primary constraint, applications are non-critical, compliance requirements are minimal.

Choose internet with prioritisation when: Heavy usage of a particular cloud tool (e.g. Microsoft 365), need better performance than basic internet, moderate cloud usage.

Choose direct ethernet when: High bandwidth requirements, need guaranteed performance, strict compliance requirements, justified by usage patterns.

Choose SD-WAN when: Multiple cloud providers, digital transformation focus, need intelligent routing, want unified management.

Choose MPLS integration when: Existing MPLS infrastructure, multiple sites need access, prefer gradual cloud adoption.

UK-specific considerations

Regulatory compliance: Verify providers understand UK regulatory requirements and hold relevant certifications (Cyber Essentials Plus, ISO 27001, industry-specific accreditations).

Geographic coverage: Ensure UK presence and service delivery to all required locations.

Data location: Confirm data remains within UK borders throughout connection paths where required for compliance.

Local support: Consider providers offering UK-based technical support with understanding of local regulations.

Future trends and considerations

The cloud connectivity landscape continues evolving with several key trends:

SASE integration: Secure Access Service Edge combines connectivity with security services in cloud-native platforms.

AI-Driven optimisation: Artificial intelligence optimises routing, predicts capacity needs, and automatically adjusts performance.

Edge computing: Growth requires new connectivity models bringing services closer to users and devices.

5G Integration: Mobile network evolution creates hybrid connectivity opportunities for improved resilience.

Zero Trust Architecture: Security models verify every connection regardless of network location.

Sustainability focus: Environmental considerations influence connectivity choices with carbon-neutral options.

Getting started with cloud connectivity

Initial Steps

1. Assessment: Evaluate current infrastructure, application requirements, and transformation plans

2. Requirements definition: Specify performance, security, and compliance needs

3. Provider research: Identify providers with UK presence and sector experience

4. Pilot implementation: Start with non-critical applications to validate performance

Success Factors

Technical expertise: Ensure internal knowledge or partner with managed service providers.

Change management: Plan for organisational change including staff training and process updates.

Strategic partnership: Choose providers offering ongoing support and guidance beyond connectivity.

Continuous improvement: Regularly review performance, security, and cost-effectiveness for optimisation.

Common considerations and concerns

When evaluating cloud connectivity options, organisations often weigh similar concerns around deployment, cost, and technical capabilities.

Direct Cloud connectivity vs VPN

While both provide secure connections, they operate fundamentally differently. VPN creates encrypted tunnels over existing internet connections, relying on the public internet's unpredictable performance. Cloud connectivity uses dedicated network infrastructure directly to cloud providers, typically offering superior performance, enhanced security, and guaranteed reliability through slas. For mission-critical applications and high-bandwidth requirements, dedicated cloud connectivity usually proves more reliable than VPN solutions.

Deployment timeframes

Deployment speed varies significantly by solution type. Internet-based solutions can become operational within days, making them ideal for rapid deployments. Direct ethernet circuits require physical installation, typically taking 30-90 days depending on location and infrastructure availability. Modern cloud-native platforms can provision virtual connections within minutes once underlying infrastructure exists, offering the best of both worlds for organisations needing speed without sacrificing performance.

Multi-cloud support

Modern cloud connectivity solutions support multi-cloud architectures, allowing organisations to use different cloud providers for different applications while maintaining consistent connectivity and security policies. This flexibility prevents vendor lock-in and enables best-of-breed cloud strategies across AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, and other providers.

Cost considerations

Initial costs for dedicated cloud connectivity exceed standard internet access, but total cost of ownership calculations often favour professional connectivity services. Benefits include improved reliability reducing downtime costs, lower cloud provider egress charges for data transfer, predictable monthly expenses eliminating surprise bills, and increased productivity from consistent performance. For organisations with significant cloud usage, the operational savings often justify the higher initial investment.

Security and compliance

Cloud connectivity solutions typically include comprehensive security features: encryption protecting data in transit, granular access controls ensuring authorised use only, real-time threat detection and prevention, ddos protection for service availability, and detailed logging supporting audit requirements. When evaluating providers, verify they understand your specific compliance obligations and hold relevant certifications. Ensure the solution provides comprehensive audit trails and appropriate data sovereignty guarantees for your jurisdiction.

Making the right choice

Cloud connectivity represents a strategic shift from commodity network access to enabling digital transformation. For UK organisations across all sectors, professional connectivity services provide the performance, security, and compliance capabilities required to confidently embrace cloud technologies while meeting operational requirements.

Success lies in understanding specific requirements, carefully evaluating available options, and partnering with providers combining technical expertise with deep industry knowledge. With proper planning and implementation, cloud connectivity becomes the foundation for enhanced services, improved security, and future-ready infrastructure that supports your organisation's digital ambitions.

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