Cloud on-ramp architecture enables branch offices and remote sites to connect directly to cloud providers — AWS, Azure, GCP — without routing traffic back through headquarters or data centers, delivering the latency and bandwidth performance that cloud applications require for distributed workforces.
Traditional WAN architectures were designed for data-center-centric traffic. Cloud on-ramp redesigns the network for cloud-first traffic flows — getting traffic to cloud applications via the fastest available path rather than the path your MPLS vendor built 10 years ago.
A structured advisory process — from discovery and market evaluation to vendor selection and post-deployment optimization — tailored to your specific environment and objectives.
We analyze your cloud-bound traffic — which cloud providers, which services, volumes by location, and latency sensitivity — establishing the traffic profiles that determine on-ramp architecture requirements.
We design the cloud on-ramp architecture for your environment — SD-WAN cloud gateways, direct cloud connectivity (Direct Connect, ExpressRoute), and the routing policies that deliver traffic to each cloud via the optimal path.
Cloud on-ramp requires connectivity providers with direct cloud relationships. We evaluate SD-WAN providers with native cloud on-ramp capabilities, internet exchange access, and the carrier relationships that minimize cloud-bound latency.
Cloud on-ramp architecture must be validated against actual application performance — not just theoretical routing improvements. We design the performance testing approach that confirms on-ramp effectiveness.
These are the dimensions that consistently separate successful network deployments from costly ones — and the questions RLM will help you answer before any commitment.
SD-WAN platforms vary in the quality of their native cloud gateway integrations. Evaluate the depth of AWS Transit Gateway Connect, Azure Virtual WAN, and GCP NCC integration for your specific cloud providers.
Internet exchange (IX) access provides low-latency cloud connectivity via public peering; private cloud connect (Direct Connect, ExpressRoute) provides dedicated bandwidth. Evaluate the trade-off for your traffic volumes and latency requirements.
Enterprises with AWS, Azure, and GCP workloads need on-ramp to multiple providers. Evaluate whether your SD-WAN platform provides consistent on-ramp quality across all relevant cloud providers.
Direct cloud breakout bypasses data center security stacks. Evaluate the security architecture for cloud-bound traffic — SASE integration, cloud-native security, or SD-WAN security capabilities.
Direct cloud connectivity has different failure modes than internet-routed traffic. Evaluate the failover architecture when direct cloud connectivity is unavailable — automatic failover to internet routing maintains connectivity.
Cloud on-ramp performance must be monitored continuously — cloud performance varies with provider capacity and peering conditions. Evaluate monitoring and alerting for cloud path performance.
"RLM gave us an objective view of our network options that no single vendor could. We replaced aging MPLS across 40 locations and came in 28% under our original budget."
"The RLM team understood our network complexity from day one. Their vendor-neutral approach helped us find the right solution — not just the one with the biggest marketing budget."
Start with a no-cost conversation with an RLM network advisor — vendor neutral, no agenda, just clarity on the right path forward for your environment.
Speak to a Network Advisor