Configuring a secure VPN with Azure VNet

Introduction

Virtual Private Networks (VPN) are a proven way to securely connect remote sites and users to a headquarters network over the internet. In this tutorial, we will guide you through the steps to configure a secure VPN connection with Azure VNet.

Prerequisites

To complete this tutorial, you will need the following prerequisites:
– Azure subscription
– Azure Active Directory tenant
– Local network infrastructure
– Azure Virtual Network Gateway

Step 1: Create Virtual Network

The first step is to create a virtual network in Azure. Follow the steps below to create a virtual network:
1. Log in to the Azure portal and click on the “+” icon on the left-hand side.
2. In the “New” blade, search for “Virtual Network” and select it.
3. In the “Virtual Network” blade, enter the following information:
– Name: Enter a name for the virtual network.
– Address space: Enter the IPv4 address space for the virtual network (e.g. 10.0.0.0/16). You can add multiple address spaces if required.
– Subscription: Select the Azure subscription to use.
– Resource group: Choose an existing resource group or create a new one.
– Location: Select the preferred location for the virtual network.
– DDoS protection: Select whether to enable DDoS protection or not.
4. Click on “Create” to create the virtual network.

Step 2: Create Subnets

The next step is to create subnets within the virtual network. Follow the steps below to create subnets:
1. In the virtual network blade, click on “Subnets”.
2. Click on “Add” to add a new subnet.
3. In the “Add subnet” blade, enter the following information:
– Name: Enter a name for the subnet.
– Address range: Enter the IPv4 address range for the subnet (e.g. 10.0.1.0/24). You can add multiple subnets if required.
4. Click on “OK” to create the subnet.

Step 3: Create Virtual Network Gateway

The next step is to create a virtual network gateway. Follow the steps below to create a virtual network gateway:
1. In the virtual network blade, click on “Virtual network gateways” and then click on “Add”.
2. In the “Add virtual network gateway” blade, enter the following information:
– Name: Enter a name for the virtual network gateway.
– Gateway type: Select “VPN”.
– VPN type: Select the VPN type to use.
– SKU: Select the SKU to use (e.g. VpnGw1).
– Virtual network: Select the virtual network created in Step 1.
– Public IP address: Choose an existing public IP address or create a new one.
3. Click on “Review + create” and then click on “Create” to create the virtual network gateway.

Step 4: Create Local Network Gateway

The next step is to create a local network gateway to represent the local infrastructure to which the VPN will connect. Follow the steps below to create a local network gateway:
1. In the virtual network blade, click on “Local network gateways” and then click on “Add”.
2. In the “Add local network gateway” blade, enter the following information:
– Name: Enter a name for the local network gateway.
– IP address: Enter the public IP address of the local infrastructure.
– Address space: Enter the IPv4 address space of the local infrastructure (e.g. 192.168.0.0/16). You can add multiple address spaces if required.
– Subscription: Select the Azure subscription to use.
– Resource group: Choose an existing resource group or create a new one.
– Location: Select the preferred location for the local network gateway.
3. Click on “Review + create” and then click on “Create” to create the local network gateway.

Step 5: Configure VPN Connection

The final step is to configure the VPN connection between the virtual network and the local infrastructure. Follow the steps below to configure the VPN connection:
1. In the virtual network gateway blade, click on “Connections” and then click on “Add”.
2. In the “Add connection” blade, enter the following information:
– Name: Enter a name for the VPN connection.
– Connection type: Select “Site-to-site (IPsec)”.
– Virtual network gateway: Select the virtual network gateway created in Step 3.
– Local network gateway: Select the local network gateway created in Step 4.
– Shared key: Enter a strong shared key for the VPN connection.
– IKE protocol: Select the IKE version to use.
– IPsec encryption: Select the IPsec encryption algorithm to use.
– IPsec integrity: Select the IPsec integrity algorithm to use.
– IPsec DH group: Select the IPsec Diffie-Hellman group to use.
– PFS: Select whether to enable Perfect Forward Secrecy (PFS) or not.
3. Click on “OK” to create the VPN connection.

Conclusion

In this tutorial, we have guided you through the steps to configure a secure VPN connection with Azure VNet. By following these steps, you can establish a secure and reliable connection between your virtual network and local infrastructure.

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