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.