Subnets
Subnets are segments of an IP network that improve performance and security within an AWS VPC.
Description
In the context of Amazon Web Services (AWS), subnets are subdivisions of a Virtual Private Cloud (VPC), which allow users to organize and secure their resources effectively. Each subnet is associated with a specific IP address range and can be designated as either public or private. Public subnets have direct access to the internet, whereas private subnets do not, enhancing security for sensitive applications. By segmenting resources into subnets, organizations can control traffic flow, implement security policies, and optimize resource allocation. For instance, a web application might place its frontend servers in a public subnet to handle incoming traffic while keeping its database servers in a private subnet, isolating them from direct internet access. This architecture not only improves security but also allows for better management of resources and compliance with best practices. In AWS, users can create multiple subnets in different Availability Zones to ensure high availability and fault tolerance for their applications.
Examples
- An e-commerce application might have a public subnet for web servers and a private subnet for database servers.
- A data processing pipeline could utilize a public subnet for data ingestion services and a private subnet for processing and analytics.
Additional Information
- AWS allows up to 200 subnets per VPC, enabling extensive architectural flexibility.
- Subnets can be configured with Network Access Control Lists (NACLs) and Security Groups for enhanced security.