> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.megaport.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Configuring a Microsoft Azure ExpressRoute Direct Connection

> This help topic describes how to create a direct connection between Megaport and Microsoft Azure ExpressRoute.

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Megaport offers two types of connection to <Gloss term="ExpressRoute" anchor="micro-azure" />: you can order virtual cross-connections to the Microsoft Cloud through Megaport or you can connect directly to the Microsoft Cloud through point-to-point Ethernet links (ExpressRoute Direct).

Connecting through a VXC is described in [Connecting to Microsoft Azure ExpressRoute](/cloud/megaport/microsoft).
This topic describes ExpressRoute Direct.

With ExpressRoute Direct through Megaport, you can take advantage of the functionality of ExpressRoute and connect directly to the global Microsoft backbone.
Key features of ExpressRoute Direct through Megaport include:

* High-capacity dual connectivity options (including 10 Gbps and higher), supporting Active/Active connectivity at scale
* Data Ingestion into services like Storage and Cosmos DB
* Physical isolation for industries that require dedicated and isolated connectivity
* Granular control of circuit distribution
* Dedicated capacity on the Microsoft network

With ExpressRoute Direct, you provision an ExpressRoute port in the Azure console and work with Megaport to set up a physical cross connect from the ExpressRoute port to a Port at the same data center.
You extend your deployment by using a private VXC and you can connect the Port in the Azure-enabled data center to a second Port in a different data center.

<Image src="/images/cloud/megaport/microsoft/expressroute-direct.png" alt="ExpressRoute Direct" width={700} />

Through Megaport, you can connect with ExpressRoute physical port pairs in a range of capacities (10 Gbps and higher, where available). Circuits support multiple virtual connections with configurable bandwidth options to meet enterprise needs.

<Note>
  For complete technical requirements, port details, and SLAs, see the Microsoft topic [About ExpressRoute Direct](https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/expressroute/expressroute-erdirect-about).
</Note>

**To create an ExpressRoute Direct connection**

1. Provision a ExpressRoute port in the Azure console and designate Megaport as the vendor.
2. Download an LOA from Azure.
3. Provision a Port in the same data center as the ExpressRoute port.
4. Contact your Megaport Account Manager to set up a physical cross connect from the ExpressRoute port to the Port.
5. Configure a private VXC to connect the Port attached to the
   ExpressRoute port to a second Port in a different data center.

This connection is not set up exclusively through the Megaport Portal, but instead requires direct coordination with your Megaport Account Manager.

## Helpful references

* [About ExpressRoute Direct](https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/expressroute/expressroute-erdirect-about)

* [Configure ExpressRoute Direct](https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/expressroute/expressroute-howto-erdirect)