Role of Gateways in Azure SQL databases

Question

I'm currently reading - https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/azure-sql/database/connectivity-architecture?view=azuresql

and just confused about the importance & Role of these Gateways in Azure SQL connectivity. I would really appreciate if any expert here could help me with Microsoft documentation links to verify.

I have 3 quick questions:

1. Do this gateway offers any IDPS/ data protection / any kind of security features ?
2. Is it auto created by Microsoft, if yes ... then any place from where I can see it (just like ingress controller in AKS auto creates azure load balancer and we can see it)
3. DO it offers any traffic logging by default?

Answer 1

Hello Ananay Ojha,

Thank you for posting your question in the Microsoft Q&A forum.

 

Azure SQL Database is a fully managed relational database service that provides high availability, scalability, and security. One of the key components enabling connectivity to Azure SQL Database is the Gateway. Gateways play a critical role in routing client connections to the appropriate database server while providing additional functionality such as load balancing and security. Below are answers to your questions respectively:

1.     Gateways in Azure SQL Database primarily serve as routing and load-balancing mechanisms. However, they also contribute to the overall security architecture of Azure SQL Database. While gateways themselves do not provide Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDPS) or advanced data protection features, they work in conjunction with other Azure security services to ensure secure connectivity. - https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/azure-sql/database/security-overview?view=azuresql

2.     Yes, the gateways used for Azure SQL Database connectivity are automatically created and managed by Microsoft. These gateways are part of the underlying infrastructure and are not directly visible or configurable by users. They are designed to abstract the complexity of routing and load balancing, ensuring seamless connectivity to Azure SQL Database. - https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/azure-sql/database/connectivity-architecture?view=azuresql

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/azure-sql/database/high-availability-sla-local-zone-redundancy?view=azuresql

3.     Gateways in Azure SQL Database do not provide traffic logging by default. However, Azure SQL Database offers other mechanisms to monitor and log traffic for auditing, troubleshooting, and security purposes. -

Microsoft Documentation Reference:

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/azure-sql/database/auditing-overview?view=azuresql

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/azure-sql/database/metrics-diagnostic-telemetry-logging-streaming-export-configure?view=azuresql

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/azure-sql/database/monitor-tune-overview?view=azuresql

Gateways in Azure SQL Database play a crucial role in routing client connections, ensuring secure and reliable connectivity. While they do not provide advanced security features like IDPS or data protection, they enforce encrypted connections and work with other Azure security services to protect your data. Gateways are automatically created and managed by Microsoft, and they are not visible as standalone resources in the Azure portal. Traffic logging is not provided by gateways by default, but Azure SQL Database offers robust auditing and monitoring features to meet your logging needs.

By leveraging Azure SQL Database’s built-in security and monitoring capabilities, you can ensure secure, scalable, and well-monitored database connectivity. Microsoft’s comprehensive documentation provides detailed guidance on configuring and using these features effectively.

Please, let me know the response helps answer your question? If the above answer helped, please do not forget to "Accept Answer" as this may help other community members to refer the info if facing a similar issue. 🙂

Answer 2

About question #1, The gateway’s main role is to handle connection routing and load balancing as part of the Azure SQL Database connectivity architecture. The Gateway does not itself provide standalone IDPS or direct data protection functions.

Question #2: Yes, the gateways are auto created by Microsoft. They are part of the Azure SQL Database connectivity architecture and are automatically managed by Azure, but Azure SQL Database gateways are not directly visible in the Azure portal.

Question #3: The gateway does not provide end-user accessible detailed traffic logging that you can use. However, you can use Azure SQL AUditing and Advanced Threat Protection for logging activity.