A leading banking institution in Bahrain required secure, high-performance connectivity to AWS Middle East (Bahrain) region to support their digital transformation initiatives while meeting stringent financial services regulatory requirements. The customer needed dedicated, low-latency connectivity to access both public AWS services and private VPC resources without traversing the public internet.
The Challenge
Connectivity Requirements:
• Bandwidth Needs: 100 Mbps dedicated connectivity from headquarters in Manama, Bahrain to AWS DC52
• Security Compliance: Financial services regulations requiring private, secure connectivity bypassing public internet
• Performance Requirements: Low-latency, consistent performance for mission-critical banking applications
• Hybrid Architecture: Need to access both public AWS services (S3, CloudFront) and private VPC resources simultaneously
• Business Continuity: Reliable connectivity with stringent SLA requirements for 24/7 banking operations
Technical Challenges:
• Integration with existing on-premises infrastructure and network architecture
• Maintaining network separation between public and private environments
• Ensuring consistent performance and predictable connectivity
• Meeting regulatory compliance requirements for financial data transmission
• Minimizing latency for real-time transaction processing systems
The Solution
AWS Direct Connect Implementation:
• Dedicated Connection: 100 Mbps dedicated circuit from customer headquarters to AWS DC52, Manama
• MPLS Integration: Leveraged stc Bahrain's robust MPLS network infrastructure for end-to-end connectivity
• Virtual Interfaces: Configured both public and private virtual interfaces using industry-standard 802.1q VLANs
• Network Redundancy: Utilized stc's ring network topology with SDH and DWDM technologies for maximum reliability
Key Technical Components:
• Private Virtual Interface: Secure access to Amazon VPC resources using private IP space
• Public Virtual Interface: Direct access to public AWS services (S3, CloudFront) using public IP addresses
• BGP Routing: Optimized routing protocols for efficient traffic management
• Quality of Service (QoS): Multiple Classes of Service (CoS) to prioritize delay-sensitive banking transactions
Network Infrastructure:
• Local Connectivity: Leveraged stc's 50+ fiber-connected locations across Bahrain
• Regional Resilience: Multiple terrestrial and submarine routes including GCCIA Fiber and Saudi Fiber Optic (SFO)
• Ring Topology: Redundant fiber infrastructure ensuring maximum uptime and reliability
• 24/7 Monitoring: Proactive network monitoring through stc's Network Operations Center (NOC)
Key Benefits
Performance Improvements:
• Latency Reduction: Significant improvement in application response times through dedicated connectivity
• Bandwidth Consistency: Guaranteed 100 Mbps symmetric bandwidth with predictable performance
• Network Reliability: Enhanced uptime through redundant infrastructure and proactive monitoring
• Jitter Minimization: Stable connectivity for real-time banking applications and transactions
Security and Compliance Benefits:
• Private Connectivity: Internet-independent connection ensuring secure data transmission
• Regulatory Compliance: Met financial services requirements for secure cloud connectivity
• Network Isolation: Maintained separation between public and private environments
• Data Protection: Enhanced security posture through dedicated, encrypted connectivity
Operational Advantages:
• Simplified Management: Single point of contact through stc Bahrain for all connectivity issues
• Scalability: Ability to easily scale bandwidth and add virtual interfaces as needed
• Cost Optimization: Reduced data transfer costs compared to internet-based connectivity
• Hybrid Flexibility: Seamless access to both on-premises and cloud resources
Business Value:
• Digital Transformation Enablement: Secure foundation for cloud adoption and digital banking initiatives
• Improved Customer Experience: Faster application performance leading to better customer satisfaction
• Operational Efficiency: Streamlined connectivity management and reduced network complexity
• Competitive Advantage: Enhanced capability to deliver digital banking services with superior performance
Service Level Assurance:
• Committed SLA: Guaranteed availability, packet delivery, RTD, and jitter values
• 24/7 Support: Round-the-clock monitoring and support through dedicated NOC
• Proactive Monitoring: Early detection and resolution of potential issues
• Escalation Matrix: Structured support process with defined response times (0-2 hours initial response)
Implementation Success:
• Timeline: Delivered within 4-6 week standard lead time
• Testing Validation: Comprehensive acceptance testing including bandwidth, stability, and performance verification
• Documentation: Complete configuration documentation and operational procedures
• Knowledge Transfer: Technical training and ongoing support for customer operations team
This AWS Direct Connect implementation demonstrates the value of dedicated, high-performance connectivity for financial services organizations, enabling secure cloud adoption while meeting regulatory requirements and delivering superior performance for critical banking applications.
