How to Set Up AWS Interconnect for Multi-Cloud and Last-Mile Connectivity

Introduction

If you're managing workloads across multiple cloud providers or connecting branch offices and data centers to AWS, AWS Interconnect offers a fully managed, private connectivity solution. Now generally available with both multicloud and last-mile capabilities, it eliminates the hassle of VPN tunnels, colocation facilities, and manual network configurations. Instead, you can establish high-speed, private connections directly through the AWS Console with just a few clicks. This guide walks you through setting up AWS Interconnect for two use cases: connecting your Amazon VPC to other cloud providers and linking your on-premises networks to AWS.

What You Need

• An active AWS account with permissions to create VPCs and manage network resources.
• An Amazon VPC in the region where you want to establish connectivity.
• For multicloud: an account on a supported partner cloud (Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure — Oracle Cloud Infrastructure support coming later in 2026).
• For last-mile: an existing network provider (e.g., telco, ISP, or partner) that offers last-mile services.
• Appropriate IAM roles or policies to access the AWS Interconnect console.
• Basic understanding of VPC routing and cloud networking concepts.

Step-by-Step Setup Guide

Step 1: Access the AWS Interconnect Console

Log in to your AWS Management Console and navigate to the AWS Interconnect service. You can find it under Networking & Content Delivery or search for "Interconnect" in the console search bar. The landing page displays two main options: Multicloud and Last Mile. If you don't see these options, ensure your region supports AWS Interconnect (check AWS documentation for region availability).

Step 2: Choose Your Capability

Select the type of connection you want to create. Click Create connection.
- For connecting to other cloud providers, choose Multicloud.
- For linking branch offices or data centers, choose Last Mile.
Each option presents a distinct configuration wizard.

Step 3: Configure Multicloud Connectivity

If you selected Multicloud, follow these sub-steps:

1. Select your destination cloud provider from the dropdown (Google Cloud or Microsoft Azure currently).
2. Choose the Region where the partner cloud VPC resides. AWS Interconnect uses a Layer 3 connection that routes traffic over the AWS global backbone and the partner's private network, never the public internet.
3. Specify the bandwidth required (options typically range from 1 Gbps to 10 Gbps or higher, subject to provider limits).
4. Review the encryption settings. By default, AWS Interconnect applies IEEE 802.1AE MACsec encryption on the physical links between AWS and the partner cloud routers. No manual configuration is needed. However, note that each cloud provider manages encryption independently on its own backbone, so verify end-to-end encryption meets your compliance requirements.
5. Enter a connection name and optional tags.
6. Click Next to review and then Create.

Step 4: Approve the Connection on the Partner Side

After AWS creates the interconnect request, you'll receive a service key or a link to share with your partner cloud account. Log in to your Google Cloud or Azure console, navigate to the appropriate interconnection service, and accept the pending request using the provided key. Once approved, AWS Interconnect automatically provisions the private Layer 3 connection between your VPC and the partner VPC. Traffic flows with predictable latency and consistent throughput, isolated from internet congestion.

Step 5: Configure Last-Mile Connectivity

If you chose Last Mile instead, the process differs:

1. Select your existing network provider from the list of partners. If your provider isn't listed, you can request integration.
2. Specify the location of your branch office or data center. AWS uses this to determine the nearest interconnection facility.
3. Choose the AWS Region and the target Amazon VPC you want to connect to.
4. Define the bandwidth and QoS parameters (if supported by your provider).
5. Complete the setup. The last-mile capability simplifies last-mile connectivity by leveraging your provider's infrastructure, eliminating the need to manage physical cables or colocation space.

Step 6: Verify and Monitor the Connection

Return to the AWS Interconnect console to view the status of your connection. It should show as Available after provisioning. Use Amazon CloudWatch metrics to monitor latency, throughput, and error rates. For multicloud connections, ensure that VPC routing tables direct traffic appropriately. For last-mile, verify that on-premises routes point to the AWS Interconnect endpoint. You can also enable flow logs for deep visibility.

Tips for a Successful Deployment

• Plan for redundancy: For critical workloads, set up multiple Interconnect connections across different AWS Availability Zones or providers to avoid single points of failure.
• Review encryption documentation: While MACsec secures the physical link, check each partner cloud’s encryption documentation to ensure your traffic meets internal security policies, especially for data in transit across backbones.
• Optimize bandwidth: Start with a bandwidth estimate based on current traffic and scale up easily via the console as needed.
• Leverage AWS Organizations: If you manage multiple AWS accounts, consider using VPC sharing or Transit Gateway to centralize Interconnect attachments.
• Monitor costs: AWS Interconnect charges are based on bandwidth and connection duration plus any partner cloud egress fees. Use AWS Cost Explorer to track spending.
• Test before migration: Run pilot traffic over the Interconnect connection to validate latency and throughput before migrating production workloads.
• Stay updated: AWS frequently adds new regions and partners. Subscribe to AWS What’s New to be notified when Oracle Cloud Infrastructure support arrives in 2026.

By following these steps, you can establish a secure, high-speed private network between your AWS environment and other clouds or on-premises locations—freeing your networking team from undifferentiated heavy lifting and letting them focus on applications that matter.