FastConnect
Definition
Oracle Cloud's dedicated network connection service that links your data center directly to Oracle Cloud, offering low-latency and secure connectivity.
Use Cases
- Zoom: Private, predictable connectivity between enterprise networks and Oracle Cloud for performance-sensitive workloads — Zoom has publicly stated it uses Oracle Cloud Infrastructure for capacity expansion; a common enterprise pattern for this type of deployment is to use dedicated connectivity (such as OCI FastConnect) via a colocation provider to connect corporate networks to OCI regions with private routing (BGP) into a VCN. (More predictable network performance and reduced reliance on internet paths for critical traffic; improved ability to scale cloud capacity while maintaining enterprise network controls.)
- NVIDIA: High-throughput private connectivity from data centers to Oracle Cloud for large-scale compute and data movement — NVIDIA has publicly announced collaborations involving Oracle Cloud Infrastructure; in similar large-scale hybrid architectures, organizations use dedicated links (FastConnect) through a FastConnect partner or colocation facility, establishing redundant circuits and BGP routing to OCI for stable, high-bandwidth transfers. (Improved data transfer reliability and throughput for hybrid workflows, helping reduce variability compared with internet-based VPN connections.)
- FedEx: Hybrid connectivity for enterprise applications that need consistent network performance between on-premises systems and cloud resources — FedEx has publicly discussed using Oracle Cloud for certain workloads; a typical enterprise implementation is to connect existing WAN/edge infrastructure to OCI using private connectivity (FastConnect) with redundant connections and separate physical paths, then route traffic privately into VCN subnets hosting applications and databases. (More consistent application connectivity and better control over network paths for business-critical systems compared with internet-only connectivity.)
Provider Equivalents
- AWS: AWS Direct Connect
- Azure: Azure ExpressRoute
- GCP: Cloud Interconnect
- OCI: Oracle Cloud Infrastructure FastConnect
Frequently Asked Questions
- What's the difference between OCI FastConnect and a site-to-site VPN?
- FastConnect is a private, dedicated connection (or private circuit via a partner) into Oracle Cloud, designed for consistent bandwidth and predictable latency. A site-to-site VPN runs over the public internet and encrypts traffic, but performance can vary due to internet congestion and routing changes. Many organizations use VPN for quick setup or backup, and FastConnect for primary, high-performance connectivity.
- When should I use OCI FastConnect?
- Use FastConnect when you need predictable network performance, higher and more consistent throughput, or private connectivity for hybrid workloads (for example, database replication, large data transfers, or latency-sensitive applications). It’s also a good fit when you want to reduce dependence on internet paths and integrate cloud resources into your existing network with enterprise routing and segmentation.
- How much does OCI FastConnect cost?
- Costs typically include (1) the FastConnect port or virtual circuit charges from Oracle (depending on the model and location), (2) provider/colocation fees if you use a FastConnect partner, and (3) cross-connect and circuit costs from your network carrier or colocation facility. Pricing varies by region, port speed, and partner, and you should also plan for redundancy (often two connections) which increases total cost.
Category: networking
Difficulty: advanced
Related Terms
See Also