Unit 2 Study Guide: Network Implementation

This guide covers the core implementation tasks for the AWS Certified Advanced Networking - Specialty (ANS-C01) exam, focusing on hybrid connectivity, multi-account architectures, and advanced DNS routing.

Learning Objectives

After studying this guide, you should be able to:

• Implement hybrid connectivity using AWS Direct Connect and Site-to-Site VPN.
• Configure routing between on-premises environments and AWS using BGP and MPLS concepts.
• Design and deploy multi-VPC architectures using Transit Gateway and VPC Peering.
• Optimize network performance through MTU adjustments, ENA/EFA selection, and Global Accelerator.
• Execute complex DNS architectures with Route 53 Resolver endpoints and private hosted zones.

Key Terms & Glossary

• MPLS (Multi-Protocol Label Switching): A high-performance telecommunications network architecture that directs data from one node to the next based on short path labels rather than long network addresses.
• LER (Label Edge Router): The entry/exit point of an MPLS network that performs label assignment (push) and removal (pop).
• LSR (Label Switch Router): A core MPLS router that forwards packets based solely on the label (swap).
• Transit Gateway (TGW): A network transit hub used to interconnect VPCs and on-premises networks.
• SD-WAN (Software-Defined WAN): A virtual WAN architecture that allows enterprises to leverage any combination of transport services (including MPLS, LTE, and broadband) to connect users to applications.
• BGP (Border Gateway Protocol): The standardized exterior gateway protocol designed to exchange routing and reachability information between autonomous systems (AS).

The "Big Idea"

Network implementation in AWS is about moving beyond isolated VPCs toward a unified global mesh. The transition involves bridging legacy on-premises technologies (like MPLS) with cloud-native scalability (like Transit Gateway). The goal is to create a secure, high-performance