AWS VPC endpoints enable private connections between your VPC and supported AWS services or VPC peering connections, helping you securely connect without using public IP addresses or traversing the open internet. There are two main types of VPC endpoints.
- Interface VPC Endpoints.
- Gateway VPC Endpoints.
Interface VPC Endpoints.
Description: Interface VPC Endpoints provide a private connection to AWS services powered by Elastic Network Interfaces (ENIs). These endpoints allow communication with AWS services such as Amazon EC2, AWS Lambda, Amazon SNS, and more, directly from within your VPC. Use Case: Interface endpoints are commonly used to access AWS services that don’t have a publicly available IP address and need to be accessed privately over the AWS network. For example, accessing services like S3 or Secrets Manager securely via the VPC without going over the internet. Supported Services: Many AWS services like S3, DynamoDB, SNS, Lambda, CloudWatch, etc. Key Features:
- Uses ENIs within your VPC for routing traffic to AWS services.
- Provides a more secure and reliable connection compared to public IP addresses.
- Supports integration with AWS PrivateLink to connect to third-party services.
- Enables traffic flow via private IP addresses without using the internet.
Gateway VPC Endpoints.
- Description: Gateway VPC Endpoints provide a private connection to specific AWS services, primarily Amazon S3 and DynamoDB, through a gateway target in your VPC route tables. This allows traffic to reach these services without the need for a public IP address or traversing the internet.
- Use Case: Primarily used when you want to access Amazon S3 or DynamoDB privately within your VPC without sending traffic over the public internet.
- Supported Services: Amazon S3 and DynamoDB.
- Key Features:
- Provides a more cost-effective solution than using NAT Gateways for services like S3 and DynamoDB.
- Traffic is routed directly to the destination service through the gateway.
- Fully managed by AWS with no need for configuring ENIs or IP addresses.
- Offers enhanced security by keeping the traffic within the AWS network.
| Feature | Interface Endpoint | Gateway Endpoint |
| Traffic Routing | Uses Elastic Network Interfaces (ENIs) | Uses route tables for direct traffic to service |
| Security | Private IPs with access control policies | Traffic stays within AWS network, no internet exposure |
| Service Support | Multiple AWS services (e.g., Lambda, S3, SNS) | Amazon S3, DynamoDB only |
| Cost | Typically higher cost due to ENIs | Lower cost, as it’s a simple route |
How AWS VPC Endpoints work?
STEP 1: Navigate the VPC and click on endpoint.
- Click on create endpoint.
STEP 2: Enter the endpoint name.
- Select the type.
STEP 3: Select the services and VPC.
STEP 4: Now, Click on create endpoint.
Conclusion.
In conclusion, AWS VPC Endpoints are essential tools for enhancing the security, performance, and reliability of your cloud network architecture. By allowing private connections between your VPC and AWS services, they eliminate the need for traffic to traverse the public internet, ensuring more secure and low-latency communication.
The two main types—Interface VPC Endpoints and Gateway VPC Endpoints—offer different solutions for different use cases. Interface VPC Endpoints provide secure, private connectivity to a wide range of AWS services using Elastic Network Interfaces (ENIs), while Gateway VPC Endpoints are specifically designed to allow private access to services like Amazon S3 and DynamoDB, directly through route tables.
When deciding which endpoint type to use, consider your specific needs. If you require access to a broader set of AWS services, Interface VPC Endpoints will serve you best. If you’re primarily working with S3 or DynamoDB and need a cost-effective solution, Gateway VPC Endpoints are a great choice.
By utilizing VPC Endpoints, you enhance your security posture, simplify your networking setup, and ensure that your AWS infrastructure remains fully optimized for performance and cost. Implementing these endpoints can help you achieve a more robust and secure cloud architecture, ultimately improving both operational efficiency and resource management in your AWS environment.
