Deployment of a Private Communication in a Multi-Cloud Environment (AWS and GCP) 100% Automated Using Terraform

As a Multi-Cloud Specialist, my journey through the cloud-scape has been adventurous. The project I am about to describe is a testament to this. In 2022, I was tasked with a challenging yet exhilarating project: interconnecting two separate cloud architectures, one in AWS (Amazon Web Services) and the other in GCP (Google Cloud Platform), using an entirely private communication framework. The pressing deadline and the need for automation made this project stand out. This blog post delves into how I tackled this project, employing Terraform to automate deployment.

The Challenge

The company I worked with had established architectures on AWS and GCP. The goal was to create a seamless and secure interconnection between these two environments. The key components involved in this process included the Virtual Private Gateway, Customer Gateway, Cloud Routers, and Cloud VPN.

Time was of the essence, as the entire setup needed to be operational within a week. To meet this ambitious timeline, I opted for a 100% automated deployment approach using Terraform, a well-known Infrastructure as Code tool.

The Approach

Step 1: Setting Up the Foundation

The initial step involved setting up the basic infrastructure on both AWS and GCP. This included configuring Virtual Private Clouds (VPCs) and subnets that would form the backbone of our network.

Step 2: Establishing Private Connectivity

The next phase was establishing private connectivity between AWS and GCP. This was achieved through Virtual Private Gateways and Customer Gateways on AWS, paired with Cloud Routers and Cloud VPN on GCP. The intricate task was ensuring these components communicated securely and efficiently.

Step 3: Automating with Terraform

Terraform played a pivotal role in this project. I wrote Terraform scripts to automate the deployment of the necessary components. This saved precious time, ensured consistency, and reduced the risk of human error.

Step 4: Testing and Validation

Once the infrastructure was deployed, rigorous testing was conducted to ensure everything was functioning as intended. This involved validating the private connectivity and ensuring data security.

The Outcome

The project was successful, with the deployment completed within the tight one-week deadline. The automated approach using Terraform proved to be a game-changer, allowing for rapid deployment while maintaining high standards of accuracy and reliability.

Reflections

As a Multi-Cloud Specialist, this project was a remarkable experience that highlighted the power of automation in cloud environments. It showcased my technical skills in working with AWS and GCP and my ability to innovate under pressure. This project stands as a milestone in my journey, underlining the importance of embracing new challenges and the endless possibilities within cloud technology.

This experience has been a significant part of my journey as a cloud professional. It underscores the dynamic nature of cloud environments and the need for continuous adaptation and learning. If you’re embarking on a similar journey, remember that the cloud is a vast expanse, teeming with opportunities to innovate and excel.