Understanding AWS Global Infrastructure

KoAWS Global Infrastructure

AWS (Amazon Web Services) global infrastructure is built for high availability, scalability, and security, offering a wide range of cloud computing services. Here are the main components:

1. Regions:

   • Definition: Geographic areas made up of multiple data centers.

   • Function: Each region is isolated and independent, ensuring fault tolerance and stability. Regions let customers deploy applications closer to end users, reducing latency and improving performance.

   • Example: US East (N. Virginia), EU (Ireland), Asia Pacific (Sydney).

2. Availability Zones (AZs):

   • Definition: Separate data centers within a region, each with its own power, cooling, and networking.

   • Function: AZs are connected through low-latency links. This separation ensures high availability and fault tolerance, as a failure in one AZ does not impact others.

   • Example: A region like US East (N. Virginia) has multiple AZs, such as us-east-1a, us-east-1b, etc.

3. Edge Locations:

• Definition: Sites that deliver content to end-users with lower latency.

• Function: Used by services like Amazon CloudFront to cache content closer to users, reducing latency and improving performance.

• Example: Edge locations are spread globally, including cities like New York, London, Tokyo, and Sydney.

4. Local Zones:

• Definition: Extensions of AWS regions that place compute, storage, database, and other select services closer to large populations.

• Function: Provides single-digit millisecond latency to end-users.

• Example: Local Zones are present in locations such as Los Angeles, CA.

5. Wavelength Zones:

• Definition: AWS infrastructure embedded within telecom providers' data centers at the edge of the 5G network.

• Function: Enables developers to build applications that require ultra-low latency to mobile and connected devices.

• Example: Deployed in collaboration with telecom providers in cities such as Boston and San Francisco.

6. Outposts:

• Definition: Fully managed service that extends AWS infrastructure, services, APIs, and tools to virtually any on-premises facility.

• Function: Provides a consistent hybrid experience by bringing AWS services on-premises.

• Example: Used in scenarios where low-latency access to on-premises systems is required.

This infrastructure supports various services and allows the deployment of applications and data across multiple regions and Availability Zones (AZs) for improved reliability and performance.