Difference between colocation and point-point connections in express route models

Question

Hello,

I had a question regarding the difference between colocation and point-point connectivity in Azure expressroute connectivity.

Both look same to me, and I am a bit confused - all that I can see is that point-point is ethernet based while colocation is virtual cross-connect. Apart from that is there anything I need to understand as a difference between them?

Also, endpoints - what are endpoints, exactly? I always see them but somehow, visualize them as may be the last VM in a network or maybe a last container.

Kindly please expain

Best regards

Marouf

Answer 1

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

Colocation (CloudExchange Colocation)

• Your infrastructure is physically located in the same facility as the cloud exchange.
• You use virtual cross-connections within the facility to connect to Microsoft's network.
• The colocation provider manages the connection within their facility.
• Typically offers lower latency due to proximity.
• Can be more cost-effective if you're already colocated in the facility.

Point-to-Point Ethernet Connection

• Your infrastructure can be located anywhere, not necessarily in a specific colocation facility.
• Uses dedicated Ethernet links to connect your location directly to Microsoft's network.
• You or your connectivity provider manage the entire connection from your site to Microsoft's network.
• May have higher latency depending on the distance to Microsoft's network.
• Provides more flexibility in terms of location but might be more expensive for long distances.

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