VPC Endpoints allow you to privately connect your Virtual
Private Cloud (VPC) to supported AWS services and VPC endpoint services
(powered by AWS PrivateLink) without needing an internet gateway, NAT device,
VPN, or AWS Direct Connect.
How VPC Endpoints
Work
VPC Endpoints enable you to keep all your data within the
AWS network by creating a direct link between your VPC and AWS services. There
are two types of VPC endpoints:
1. Interface Endpoints: These use AWS PrivateLink to connect
your VPC to AWS services. They create an Elastic Network Interface (ENI) within
your VPC that serves as an entry point to the service. Interface endpoints are
ideal for connecting to services like Amazon EC2, Lambda, or third-party SaaS
applications.
2. Gateway Endpoints: These provide a route to AWS services
such as Amazon S3 and DynamoDB via the VPC’s route table. You create a gateway
endpoint and update your VPC’s route tables with routes to the service using
the gateway.
Why Would You Use a
VPC Endpoint?
1. Increased Security: All traffic remains within the AWS
network without going through the public internet, reducing exposure to
potential threats.
2. Cost Reduction: By bypassing the need for a NAT gateway
or other external access methods, you can save costs on data transfer.
3. Enhanced Performance: VPC endpoints offer low-latency
connections since traffic remains within the AWS backbone network.
4. Private Access to Services: You can access AWS services
directly within your VPC without requiring an internet gateway or public IP
addresses.
5. Compliance Requirements: Some regulations may require
that data not leave the AWS network. VPC endpoints help meet these compliance
needs by avoiding public traffic paths.
If you'd like more details on the setup or best practices
for VPC endpoints, let me know!
