FastConnect

FastConnect
Name	FastConnect
Developer	Oracle Corporation
Type	Cloud computing networking service
Launched	2016
Platform	Oracle Cloud Infrastructure
Status	Active

FastConnect. It is a dedicated, private network connectivity service offered by Oracle Corporation as a core component of its Oracle Cloud Infrastructure platform. The service enables enterprises to establish high-bandwidth, low-latency links between their on-premises data centers and Oracle's global cloud regions, bypassing the public internet. By providing a direct, physical connection, FastConnect aims to deliver more consistent network performance, enhanced security, and reduced data transfer costs compared to standard internet-based access.

Overview

FastConnect was introduced to address enterprise demands for reliable and performant hybrid cloud architectures, competing with similar offerings like AWS Direct Connect from Amazon Web Services and Azure ExpressRoute from Microsoft Azure. The service is integral to Oracle's strategy for supporting mission-critical workloads, such as those from the SAP SE ecosystem and complex database migrations. It facilitates a hybrid model where core applications can remain in a company's private data center while leveraging cloud-based services for scalability. Global availability is achieved through a network of partner colocation facilities and Oracle Cloud Infrastructure regions worldwide, including major hubs in Ashburn, Virginia, London, and Tokyo.

Architecture

The architectural foundation of FastConnect relies on establishing physical cross-connects within carrier-neutral colocation facilities, such as those operated by Equinix or Digital Realty. A customer provisions a virtual circuit over this physical link, which connects their on-premises network edge—typically a router from vendors like Cisco Systems or Juniper Networks—directly to an Oracle router within the same facility. This virtual circuit is then mapped to a virtual cloud network inside the customer's Oracle Cloud Infrastructure tenancy. The service supports resilient configurations using multiple connections from different locations or providers to ensure high availability, adhering to principles common in software-defined networking.

Service Types

Oracle offers FastConnect in several tiered service types to meet diverse requirements. The primary distinction is between dedicated and partnered connectivity models. The dedicated model provides a private, single-tenant physical port offering guaranteed bandwidth, ideal for organizations with stringent performance needs. The partnered model utilizes a shared port through a certified network service provider, such as AT&T or Verizon Communications, which can simplify deployment. Furthermore, Oracle provides a virtual circuit type specifically optimized for high-throughput access to Oracle Cloud VMware Solution, enabling seamless extension of VMware-based environments into the cloud.

Connectivity Options

Customers can establish FastConnect connections through multiple methods, offering flexibility in deployment. The most direct option is to colocate network equipment in an Oracle FastConnect location, creating a physical cross-connect. Alternatively, they can work with one of Oracle's many network service provider partners, like Lumen Technologies or NTT Communications, to extend connectivity from their enterprise network to an Oracle point of presence. For global reach, providers like Megaport offer Network as a service solutions that can orchestrate connections to Oracle Cloud Infrastructure alongside other clouds such as Google Cloud Platform.

Pricing and Billing

Pricing for FastConnect is based on a combination of port speed, virtual circuit bandwidth, and data transfer egress. Customers incur a monthly port fee determined by the chosen port speed (e.g., 1 Gbps, 10 Gbps) and a separate hourly fee for the provisioned virtual circuit bandwidth. Data transfer out from Oracle Cloud Infrastructure to the customer's data center over FastConnect is typically billed at a significantly lower rate than internet egress, providing substantial cost savings for data-intensive workloads. Billing is managed through the Oracle Cloud Infrastructure console, and detailed usage can be tracked and allocated using cost management tags.

Use Cases

Common use cases for FastConnect involve scenarios requiring predictable network behavior and high data fidelity. A primary application is large-scale data migration, such as moving multi-terabyte Oracle Database exports or SAP HANA instances to the cloud. It is also critical for hybrid cloud deployments, where applications split between on-premises servers and cloud compute instances like Oracle Compute require low-latency communication. Furthermore, organizations in regulated industries like financial services or healthcare utilize FastConnect to meet data residency and security compliance mandates by keeping sensitive data transfers off the public internet.

Category:Oracle Corporation Category:Cloud computing providers Category:Computer networking