VPC (Virtual Private Cloud)

A VPC is an isolated virtual network within a public cloud that provides private, configurable network space for resources.

What is VPC?

A Virtual Private Cloud (VPC) is a logically isolated section of a public cloud where you can launch resources in a virtual network that you define. VPCs provide control over IP addressing, subnets, routing tables, and network gateways.

VPC Components

CIDR Blocks: IP address ranges for the VPC
Subnets: Public and private network segments
Route Tables: Traffic routing rules
Internet Gateway: Public internet access
NAT Gateway: Outbound internet for private subnets
Security Groups: Instance-level firewall rules
Network ACLs: Subnet-level access control

VPC Design Considerations

Consider multi-AZ deployment for high availability, public vs private subnet placement, VPC peering for cross-VPC communication, and Transit Gateway for complex topologies.

Common Misconceptions

"VPC is automatically secure" - Requires proper configuration
"One VPC is sufficient" - Multi-VPC architectures are common
"VPC peering is transitive" - Each connection is independent