Connect Every Location Directly to the Cloud — Without Backhauling Through HQ
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.
What RLM Delivers on Cloud On-Ramp
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.
How We Approach Cloud On-Ramp
We work Cloud On-Ramp the same way each time: establish the baseline, test the market properly, negotiate on evidence, and stay involved through implementation.
Cloud Traffic Flow Assessment
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.
On-Ramp Architecture Design
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.
Provider Evaluation & Procurement
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.
Performance Validation
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.
Cloud On-Ramp Evaluation Criteria
These are the dimensions we have seen separate a Cloud On-Ramp deployment that works from one that quietly becomes shelfware.
Native Cloud Gateway Quality
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 vs. Private Cloud Connect
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.
Multi-Cloud On-Ramp Complexity
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.
Security at the On-Ramp
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.
Failover for Direct Cloud Access
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.
Performance Monitoring
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.
"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."
Independent means we will tell you when the answer is to keep what you have.
Where This Matters Most
Sector-specific considerations we see repeatedly in advanced networking engagements.
A Sample of the Advanced Networking Providers We Evaluate
RLM is vendor neutral. These are among 600+ providers in our evaluation set — inclusion here is not an endorsement, and we are paid by the provider you choose, not by any provider in particular. How that works →
Where Do You Want to Start With Cloud On-Ramp?
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.
Talk to a Network Advisor