AWS Network design and VPN configuration
As the network architect for this project, I was tasked with designing and implementing a secure and scalable network infrastructure for the client’s AWS environment. The primary goal was to establish a site-to-site VPN connection with their on-premises partner. However, after reviewing the existing AWS network setup, I identified the need for significant design improvements to ensure optimal performance and compatibility.
Key Contributions:
- Network Redesign:
- Created multiple subnets following AWS best practices, including private and public subnets with appropriate route tables and security groups.
- Introduced an additional CIDR block to resolve overlapping network issues, which were preventing the establishment of the site-to-site VPN.
- Private NAT Gateway:
- Implemented a private NAT Gateway using the new CIDR block to enable secure communication with the partner’s network. This ensured that traffic from the client’s environment was accepted by the partner’s firewall.
- Public NAT Gateway:
- Deployed a public NAT Gateway to provide internet access for various Lambda functions, ensuring seamless connectivity for serverless workloads.
- Site-to-Site VPN Configuration:
- Configured and established the site-to-site VPN connection to the partner’s physical firewall, ensuring secure and reliable communication between the environments.
- Comprehensive Documentation:
- Developed a detailed network diagram and accompanying documentation to provide the client with a clear understanding of the new architecture. This included explanations of the design decisions, route tables, and security groups, enabling the client to manage and scale the network in the future.
Outcome:
The redesigned network not only resolved the immediate challenge of establishing the VPN connection but also provided a robust and scalable foundation for the client’s AWS environment. The implementation of NAT Gateways and proper subnetting ensured secure and efficient traffic flow, while the comprehensive documentation empowered the client to maintain and expand the network with confidence.
