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Cloud Computing · Foundational

Virtual Private Cloud (VPC)

Logically isolated virtual network in a public cloud where customers define IP ranges, subnets, routing and security controls.

Definition

A VPC lets customers launch resources into a private network they control. In AWS, a VPC is regional and its subnets each reside in one AZ; AWS reserves five IP addresses in each subnet. Connectivity is added with internet gateways, NAT gateways, peering, transit gateways, VPNs and private endpoints. Azure calls the equivalent a virtual network (VNet) and OCI a virtual cloud network (VCN).

Example

aws ec2 create-vpc --cidr-block 10.0.0.0/16 creates a VPC that is then divided into public and private subnets in three AZs.

Exam tip

A subnet is public only if its route table has a route to an internet gateway; plan non-overlapping CIDRs to allow future peering.

Related terms