Configuring Endpoints in Microsoft Azure for Virtual Machines

Endpoints in Microsoft Azure enable virtual machines (VMs) to communicate with external devices, facilitating remote access and secure data exchange. This guide explains how to set up endpoints, define public and private ports, and enhance security with Access Control Lists (ACLs) to manage VM communication effectively.

Endpoint Configuration in Microsoft Azure

When setting up a virtual machine (VM) in Azure, you'll encounter a section where you can configure endpoints. But what exactly is an endpoint?

Endpoints are essentially ports that allow your VM to communicate with external devices, including your own computer. While VMs within the same cloud environment can communicate with each other automatically, you need endpoints to enable communication between a VM and your local machine. Endpoints provide remote access to the services running on your VM, using both public and private ports. You can also enhance security by using Access Control Lists (ACLs).

Configuring a New Endpoint

  1. Access Virtual Machine: Go to your Azure Management Portal and click on ‘Virtual Machines’.
  2. Add Endpoint: Click on ‘Endpoints’, then click ‘Add’.
  3. Choose Endpoint Type: Select ‘Add a Stand-Alone Endpoint’.
  4. Set Endpoint Details: Choose a name from the dropdown menu or enter a custom name. For instance, select ‘Http’ to configure an HTTP endpoint. Ports will be assigned automatically, but you can enter them manually if needed.
  5. Configure Load Balancing (Optional): Check ‘Create a Load Balanced Set’ if you want to distribute the load across multiple VMs. If you don’t need load balancing at this time, you can leave this unchecked and configure it later.
  6. Enable Direct Server Return (Optional): ‘Enable Direct Server Return’ is used for features like SQL Server’s ‘Always On’. If you don’t need this, leave it unchecked.
  7. Proceed: Click on the ‘Next’ arrow to continue.

Access Control for Endpoints

You can manage who has access to your endpoint by configuring Access Control Lists (ACLs). If no ACLs are set, anyone can access the endpoint.

  1. Manage ACLs: Select ‘Manage ACL’ to configure access.
  2. Set Access Description: Enter a description for the access rules.
  3. Enter Subnet Mask: Provide the subnet mask to define which hosts or networks can access the endpoint.
  4. Complete Setup: Click ‘Next’ to finalize the configuration.

Now, your endpoint is configured, and you’ve set up access control to ensure that only authorized users or networks can reach your VM’s services.