Setting Up a Basic AWS Virtual Private Network (VPN)


An AWS Virtual Private Network (VPN) allows you to establish a secure and private network connection between your on-premises data center and your Amazon Virtual Private Cloud (VPC). This guide will walk you through the process of setting up a basic AWS VPN. Let's get started!


Prerequisites


Before you begin, make sure you have the following prerequisites:


  • An AWS account. If you don't have one, you can create it on the AWS website.
  • A VPC created in your AWS account.
  • A compatible VPN device or software on your on-premises network, such as an AWS Site-to-Site VPN compatible hardware VPN device or an Amazon EC2 instance running VPN software.

Step 1: Create a Virtual Private Gateway


A Virtual Private Gateway is the AWS-side VPN endpoint. Here's how to create one:


  1. Log in to the AWS Management Console.
  2. Navigate to the VPC service.
  3. Click "Virtual Private Gateways" in the VPC Dashboard.
  4. Click "Create Virtual Private Gateway" and follow the wizard to complete the setup.

Step 2: Attach the Virtual Private Gateway to Your VPC


After creating the Virtual Private Gateway, attach it to your VPC:


  1. In the VPC Dashboard, select your VPC.
  2. Click "Actions" and then "Attach Virtual Private Gateway."
  3. Select the Virtual Private Gateway you created and confirm the attachment.

Step 3: Create a Customer Gateway


A Customer Gateway represents the VPN device on your on-premises network. Here's how to create one:


  1. In the VPC Dashboard, click "Customer Gateways."
  2. Click "Create Customer Gateway" and follow the wizard to provide information about your on-premises device, including its IP address.

Step 4: Create a Site-to-Site VPN Connection


Now, create a Site-to-Site VPN connection that links your VPC with your on-premises network:


  1. In the VPC Dashboard, click "Site-to-Site VPN Connections."
  2. Click "Create VPN Connection" and associate it with your Virtual Private Gateway and Customer Gateway.
  3. Follow the wizard to complete the setup, including defining your routing options.

Step 5: Download the Configuration


Download the configuration file or settings for your on-premises VPN device to establish the connection with AWS.


Conclusion


You've successfully set up a basic AWS Virtual Private Network (VPN) to connect your on-premises network with your AWS VPC. This secure connection allows you to extend your network into the cloud, enabling seamless communication between resources on both sides.