Amazon VPC Fundamentals

In this section, we will explore the core concepts of VPC, such as subnets, route tables, internet gateways, and other components, along with best practices for optimal network design.

A subnet is a part of your VPC's IP address range, used to organize resources. There are public subnets that connect to the internet and private subnets that do not. Public subnets allow internet communication for instances with public IPs, while private subnets are for internal services. Distributing subnets across Availability Zones ensures redundancy and high availability.

Route tables manage network traffic in your VPC. The default route table applies to all subnets, but you can create custom ones for specific needs. These tables can direct traffic to local networks, internet gateways, or VPNs, increasing your network's flexibility and security.

An internet gateway is essential for connecting your VPC to the internet. It allows instances in public subnets to send and receive internet traffic. However, it doesn't provide security features. Use security groups and network ACLs to manage traffic safely.

VPC peering connects different VPCs using private IPs, enabling communication without internet exposure. Use NAT gateways for instances in private subnets to access the internet for updates, while blocking inbound traffic. Security groups and network ACLs enhance security by controlling traffic at various levels.

When designing your VPC, ensure high availability by spreading subnets across multiple Availability Zones. Prioritize security with security groups for instances and network ACLs for subnets. Plan CIDR blocks for future growth and use Elastic IPs for instances needing a static IP.

In summary, understanding and implementing VPC components like subnets, route tables, and internet gateways, while following best practices, will help you create a secure and efficient VPC. Continue to the next module to learn more about configuring your own VPC.