How to implement Service Endpoints in Azure

To implement Service Endpoints in Azure, follow these steps.

Service Endpoints allow you to securely connect virtual network (VNet) subnets to Azure services like Azure Storage, Azure SQL Database, and others, without needing a public IP address.

Steps to Implement Service Endpoints

Step 1: Prepare Your Environment

1. Ensure VNet Exists

• You need an existing virtual network (VNet) with subnets where you want to enable Service Endpoints.

2. Identify the Azure Service

• Determine the Azure service (e.g., Azure Storage, SQL Database, etc.) to connect to.

Step 2: Configure Service Endpoints in the Subnet

1. Navigate to the Azure Portal

2. Locate the VNet

• Search for and open your Virtual Network.

3. Select Subnets

• In the VNet settings, click Subnets.

4. Enable Service Endpoint

• Select the subnet where you want to enable the Service Endpoint.

• Click + Service Endpoint.

• Select the Azure service(s) you want to enable (e.g., Microsoft.Storage for Azure Storage).

• Choose the appropriate Regions (typically where the service is hosted).

• Click Save.

Step 3: Configure the Azure Service

1. Navigate to the Service

• Open the Azure resource (e.g., Azure Storage account, SQL Database) you want to secure with Service Endpoints.

2. Restrict Access to the VNet

• Storage Account:

  • Go to Networking.

  • Under Firewalls and Virtual Networks, select Selected networks.

  • Add your VNet and subnet to the allowed list.

  • Save the settings.

• SQL Database:

  • Go to the SQL Server resource (not the database itself).

  • Under Firewalls and Virtual Networks, add the VNet and subnet to the allowed list.

  • Save the settings.

Step 4: Test the Configuration

1. Deploy a VM

• Deploy a virtual machine (VM) in the subnet where the Service Endpoint is enabled.

2. Access the Service

• From the VM, test connectivity to the Azure service using appropriate tools (e.g., Azure Storage Explorer or SQL Management Studio).

• Verify that access works only from the specified subnet.

Example Use Case: Enabling Service Endpoint for Azure Storage

Scenario

You have a VNet MyVNet and a subnet MySubnet. You want to connect securely to MyStorageAccount.

1. Enable Service Endpoint

Go to the VNet → Subnets → MySubnet → Add Service Endpoint → Select Microsoft.Storage → Save.

2. Configure Storage Account

Go to MyStorageAccount → Networking → Firewalls and Virtual Networks → Select Selected networks → Add MyVNet and MySubnet → Save.

3. Verify

Access MyStorageAccount from a VM in MySubnet without requiring a public IP.

Key Benefits of Service Endpoints

1. Enhanced Security

Traffic to Azure services stays on the Azure backbone, not exposed to the internet.

2. Improved Performance

Traffic routing is optimized using Azure's private network infrastructure.

3. Simple Configuration

Easy to enable at the subnet level without additional networking infrastructure.

Limitations and Considerations

Regional Availability

Ensure the Service Endpoint and Azure service are available in the same region.

Cost

While Service Endpoints themselves are free, accessing the Azure service incurs standard costs.

VNet Integration

If you're using services like Private Endpoints, Service Endpoints might not be needed.

Subnet Level

Service Endpoints apply to entire subnets, not individual resources.

Summary

By following the above steps, you can securely and efficiently connect your Azure VNets to Azure services using Service Endpoints.