Hybrid Connectivity
Hybrid connectivity enables organizations to securely connect on premises environments or other cloud platforms to Google Cloud. This connectivity is essential for migrations, hybrid architectures, and multi cloud strategies.
Google Cloud provides two primary managed connectivity options depending on latency, bandwidth, and availability requirements.
Cloud VPN
Cloud VPN is the fastest and simplest way to establish connectivity between Google Cloud and external environments. It uses IPsec tunnels over the public internet and encrypts traffic between VPN gateways.
Cloud VPN supports high availability, static routing, and dynamic routing using BGP. It is commonly used when low latency is not a strict requirement.
Cloud VPN gateway types
Classic VPN
Classic VPN uses a single interface and a single external IP address. It supports static routing and limited dynamic routing scenarios.
Key characteristics include:
- Single interface design
- Requires a static external IPv4 address on the peer gateway
- Supports site to site connectivity
- Provides a 99.9 percent service availability SLA
- Does not support IPv6
Classic VPN is generally used for legacy setups and is not recommended for new deployments.
HA VPN
HA VPN is the recommended option for new deployments. It provides a highly available VPN solution using two interfaces and dynamic routing with BGP.
Key characteristics include:
- Two interfaces with separate external IPv4 addresses
- Supports multiple tunnels per interface
- Provides up to one point five to three gigabits per second per tunnel
- Supports higher aggregate bandwidth using multiple tunnels
- Provides a 99.99 percent service availability SLA
HA VPN is designed for production workloads that require resilient and reliable connectivity.
When to use Cloud VPN
Cloud VPN is a good choice when:
- Quick setup is required
- Bandwidth requirements are moderate
- Latency requirements are flexible
- Connectivity is needed over the public internet
For low latency and high bandwidth requirements, Cloud Interconnect is a better option.
Cloud Interconnect
Cloud Interconnect provides private, enterprise grade connectivity directly into Google network. It is designed for high bandwidth and low latency use cases.
There are two Cloud Interconnect options.
Dedicated Interconnect
Dedicated Interconnect provides a direct physical connection between on premises infrastructure and Google Cloud through a colocation facility.
Key characteristics include:
- Ten or one hundred gigabit per second links
- High throughput and low latency
- Requires physical presence in a supported colocation facility
- Customer managed routing equipment
- Service availability SLA between 99.9 and 99.99 percent
Dedicated Interconnect is suitable for large scale environments with consistent and high data transfer needs.
Partner Interconnect
Partner Interconnect provides connectivity through a supported service provider. It is ideal when direct colocation is not feasible or when full bandwidth links are not required.
Key characteristics include:
- Flexible bandwidth options
- Provider managed physical connectivity
- Fewer technical prerequisites
- 99.99 percent service availability SLA
Partner Interconnect simplifies connectivity while still providing private access to Google Cloud.
VPN configuration considerations
When configuring VPN connectivity, ensure the following are aligned on both ends:
- Public IP addresses are configured correctly
- Routing configuration is consistent
- Pre shared keys match on both sides
- Firewall rules allow VPN traffic
Proper configuration and validation are critical to maintaining stable hybrid connectivity.
Outcome
Choosing the right hybrid connectivity option ensures secure, reliable, and scalable communication between environments. By aligning connectivity choices with performance and availability requirements, organizations can build hybrid architectures that support long term growth on Google Cloud.