> ## 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.

# Azure Bilateral Peering on Extreme IX

> This help topic describes how to request bilateral exchange peering with Microsoft using the Azure portal.

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Microsoft peering over Extreme IX is set up through the Azure portal. If the [Microsoft peering documentation](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-gb/azure/internet-peering/policy) is not clear enough on its own, follow the steps in this topic.

1. Before you proceed, confirm that you meet Microsoft's peering requirements. For details, see the [Microsoft peering documentation](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-gb/azure/internet-peering/policy).

   <Image src="/images/ix/extreme-ix/azure-01-requirements.png" alt="Microsoft Azure peering policy page listing the physical connection and traffic requirements for Exchange and Direct peering." shadow={true} width={700} />

2. Create an Azure account.

   To associate your Autonomous System Number (ASN) with an Azure account, you need a [Microsoft Azure account](https://azure.microsoft.com/en-gb/pricing/purchase-options/azure-account). An active Azure subscription is required to set up peering, since peerings are modeled as resources within Azure subscriptions. A payment card is required to create the account, but the peering service itself is free. If you are new to Azure, the Basic or Free tier is usually sufficient for exchange peering.

3. Once your account is ready, use the [ASN association link](https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=2129592) to associate your ASN with your Azure account.

   <Image src="/images/ix/extreme-ix/azure-02-associate-asn.png" alt="Microsoft Azure 'Associate a Peer ASN' form showing the peer name, ASN, and NOC contact fields." shadow={true} width={700} />

   <Note>
     After you submit this request, wait 24 to 48 hours before continuing.
   </Note>

4. Submit a peering request for your ASN using the [peering request link](https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=2129593).

   <Image src="/images/ix/extreme-ix/azure-03-submit-request.png" alt="Microsoft Azure 'Create a peering' form showing the resource group creation step." shadow={true} width={700} />

   <Image src="/images/ix/extreme-ix/azure-04.png" alt="Microsoft Azure peering Configuration tab showing the peering type set to Exchange, and the SKU and Metro fields." shadow={true} width={700} />

   <Image src="/images/ix/extreme-ix/azure-05.png" alt="Microsoft Azure Exchange Peering Connection form showing the peering facility and IPv4 and IPv6 address fields." shadow={true} width={700} />

   <Image src="/images/ix/extreme-ix/azure-06.png" alt="Microsoft Azure Metro field showing a search for the Delhi peering location." shadow={true} width={700} />

   <Image src="/images/ix/extreme-ix/azure-07.png" alt="Microsoft Azure Review + create tab showing the peering configuration summary and the policy agreement checkbox." shadow={true} width={700} />

Microsoft sends a confirmation email once your request is accepted. If you do not receive an automated reply, or if BGP session establishment is delayed by more than two weeks, contact the Extreme team at `support@x3me.net`.