configure and deploy azure vpn with terraform

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Configuring and deploying an Azure VPN with Terraform is a straightforward process that can be completed in a few steps.

First, you'll need to create a resource group in Azure to hold your VPN resources.

To do this, run the command `az group create --name MyResourceGroup --location WestUS`.

This will create a new resource group named MyResourceGroup in the WestUS location.

Next, you'll need to create a virtual network and subnet to hold your VPN gateway.

Run the command `az network vnet create --name MyVNet --resource-group MyResourceGroup --location WestUS --address-prefix 10.0.0.0/16 --subnet-name MySubnet`.

Configure Your Environment

To configure your Azure environment for working with Terraform, you'll need to start by creating an Azure subscription if you don't already have one.

Create a free account to get started.

You'll also need to configure Terraform, which requires a version of 1.0.0 or higher.

Here's a quick rundown of the prerequisites and providers you'll need:

Creating the Virtual WAN

To create the Virtual WAN, you'll need to define it as a resource in your Terraform configuration. This is done using the AzureRM provider, specifically the `azurerm_virtual_wan` resource.

The `azurerm_virtual_wan` resource is documented on the Terraform Registry, and you can find more information on how to use it here: https://registry.terraform.io/providers/hashicorp/azurerm/latest/docs/resources/virtual_wan

You'll need to create the Virtual WAN as the first element in your Virtual WAN environment.

Virtual WAN Building Blocks

Credit: youtube.com, How to Use Terraform to Create User VPN Connection in Azure Virtual WAN

To set up a Virtual WAN environment, we need to define three core elements using the AzureRM Provider.

The first element is the Virtual WAN itself, which is created using the resources/virtual_wan block from the AzureRM Provider.

We require two Virtual WAN Hubs, one in each Azure Region that we need connectivity within.

Virtual WAN Hubs are essential for establishing connectivity within each region.

You can download the full lab from my GitHub Repo if you'd rather deploy the Virtual WAN environment as a whole, rather than building it from scratch.

Connectivity Options

Azure Virtual WAN provides a range of connectivity options, supporting Site-to-Site VPNs, Point to Site VPNs, and ExpressRoute.

To create a Site-to-Site connection, you'll need a VPN Gateway in each Virtual WAN Hub you want to connect into. You can create this using the code from the AzureRM Provider Section.

A VPN Site represents the physical location you want to connect to, and can be created using the code from the AzureRM Provider Section. Once the site is created, you'll need to define the connection, including connection modes, names, and protocols.

Credit: youtube.com, Azure Point to Site VPN Configuration Step by Step | VPN Gateway | Certificates

To create a Point to Site Connection, you'll need a Gateway and a Configuration. You can create these using the code from the AzureRM Provider Section.

ExpressRoute can be used with Virtual WAN, but it requires an ExpressRoute Gateway within your Hub. You can create this using the code from the AzureRM Provider Section.

Here are the connectivity options available with Azure Virtual WAN:

Implement the Code

Implementing the code for Azure VPN using Terraform is a straightforward process. You'll need to create a Terraform configuration file, typically named `main.tf`, and add the necessary code to define your Azure resources.

Start by making the example directory the current directory. Then, create a file named `hub-nva.tf` and insert the Terraform code provided in Example 1. This code will create the necessary resources for your Azure VPN, including a resource group, network interface, virtual machine, and route tables.

To create a Site-to-Site connection, you'll need to create a VPN Gateway using the code provided in Example 2. This will create a VPN Gateway in your Azure subscription, which will be used to establish a Site-to-Site connection.

Credit: youtube.com, Azure Virtual Network and referencing resources in Terraform

Here's a step-by-step overview of the process:

1. Create a resource group using the `azurerm_resource_group` resource.

2. Create a network interface using the `azurerm_network_interface` resource.

3. Create a virtual machine using the `azurerm_virtual_machine` resource.

4. Create a route table using the `azurerm_route_table` resource.

5. Associate the route table with the virtual network using the `azurerm_subnet_route_table_association` resource.

Here's a list of the resources you'll need to create:

  • Resource group
  • Network interface
  • Virtual machine
  • Route table
  • VPN Gateway
  • VPN Site
  • VPN connection

Note that you'll need to customize the code to fit your specific requirements, including setting the correct values for the resource group, network interface, virtual machine, and route table. You can find more information on the specific resources and their attributes in the Terraform documentation.

Terraform and Azure VPN

Terraform is a popular tool for automating infrastructure management, and it has a specific module for Azure VPN.

The clouddrove/terraform-azure-vpn module is maintained by a group of DevOps engineers and architects who believe in the power of automation.

This module allows you to split your infrastructure into smaller, connected resources, such as databases and clusters, which can be standardized, managed, and scaled securely.

Prerequisites and Providers

Credit: youtube.com, Improve your security with Dynamic Provider Credentials for Terraform Cloud and Azure

To set up a Terraform and Azure VPN, you'll need to meet certain prerequisites and have the right providers installed.

You'll need Terraform version 1.0.0 or higher installed on your machine.

The Azure provider is also required, and you'll need version 3.0.0 or higher.

Here's a brief overview of the prerequisites and providers you'll need:

Terraform Azure VPN

Terraform Azure VPN is a module that includes Terraform open source, examples, and automation tests to help create and improve infrastructure with minimalistic coding.

It's a collaborative effort by a group of DevOps engineers and architects who believe in automation and are always looking to split infrastructure into smaller connected resources.

This approach allows for infrastructure to be standardized, manageable, scalable, secure, and follow industry best practices.

With Terraform Azure VPN, you can automate the creation of your infrastructure, making it easier to manage and scale as your business grows.

The module is designed to make infrastructure creation and management more efficient and easy to understand, thanks to its examples and automation tests.

Deploying Virtual WAN with Terraform

Credit: youtube.com, How to Use Terraform to Create a Virtual WAN Hub and Connect Virtual Networks

To deploy Azure Virtual WAN with Terraform, you'll be using the AzureRM provider. This provider is a crucial part of the process, and if you're new to Terraform or Azure, you can check out the author's series on getting started with it.

The Virtual WAN Demo Environment is a simple starting point for Virtual WAN, but it's not intended for production use. It deploys a range of features, including the concept behind the Lab, which demonstrates Virtual WAN using Terraform.

The environment allows for easy testing, so you can RDP to the VMs and prove connectivity between them over Azure Virtual WAN. This is particularly useful for Spoke to Spoke communication, which will transit via Virtual WAN.

To create the Virtual WAN environment, you'll need to define 3 core elements using the AzureRM Provider. These elements include the Virtual WAN itself, which is a critical part of the setup.

The Virtual WAN is created using the resources provided by the AzureRM Provider, specifically the azurerm_virtual_wan resource. You can find more information about this resource in the Terraform Registry.

Lee Mohr

Writer

Lee Mohr is a skilled writer with a passion for technology and innovation. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for explaining complex concepts, Lee has established himself as a trusted voice in the industry. Their writing often focuses on Azure Virtual Machine Management, helping readers navigate the intricacies of cloud computing and virtualization.

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