Solved: Apigee X Load balancer (Front-end)

meenakshisundar · 11-24-2023 11:14 AM

What is the difference between using ephemeral vs static IP address in the Application Load Balancer(Global external Application Load Balancer) Front-end?

What is the advantages of using static IP address over ephemeral, in all aspects like cost, security, etc(any others).

Regards,
Meenakshi Sundar.

nandiniy

In the context of an application load balancer (ALB), the key difference between Ephemeral and Static IP addresses lies in their persistence.

1. Ephemeral IP Address:
- These are temporary and dynamically assigned addresses.
- Ephemeral IPs are typically associated with instances or resources for the duration of their running state.
- When an instance is stopped or terminated, its ephemeral IP is released and can be reassigned to another instance.

2. Static IP Address:
- These are permanent, fixed addresses that do not change.
- Static IPs are manually assigned and persistently associated with a specific resource, such as an instance or a load balancer.
- Unlike ephemeral IPs, static IPs remain constant even if the associated resource is stopped or terminated.

In the context of an ALB, using static IP addresses provides a stable endpoint for clients to connect to, even if the underlying infrastructure changes.

Ephemeral IPs, on the other hand, might be more suitable for scenarios where the IP address can change dynamically without impacting the application's functionality, or when resources are frequently created and terminated.

The cost efficiency of Ephemeral IP addresses versus Static IP addresses depends on the usage pattern of your resources

1. Ephemeral IP Addresses:
- Generally, ephemeral IPs are often included as part of the overall cost of running instances or resources.
- They are typically free as long as the associated resource (like a virtual machine) is running.
- The cost is incurred when the associated resource is stopped or terminated, as the ephemeral IP is released and cannot be retained.

2. Static IP Addresses:
- Static IPs often incur additional costs compared to ephemeral IPs.
- Google Cloud may charge for reserved or unused static IP addresses, even when the associated resource is stopped.
- However, static IPs provide a consistent endpoint, which can be beneficial for scenarios requiring a fixed, unchanging address.

To determine cost efficiency, consider your application's requirements:
- If your application can adapt to dynamic IP changes and doesn't require a fixed address, ephemeral IPs may be more cost-effective.
- If your application relies on a stable, unchanging endpoint, a static IP might be necessary despite the associated cost.

Check the pricing details with your TAM to make an informed decision based on your usage patterns and requirements.

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meenakshisundar

@dchiesa1 could you please provide your guidance on this topic, if you have time. Thank you.

nandiniy

In the context of an application load balancer (ALB), the key difference between Ephemeral and Static IP addresses lies in their persistence.

1. Ephemeral IP Address:
- These are temporary and dynamically assigned addresses.
- Ephemeral IPs are typically associated with instances or resources for the duration of their running state.
- When an instance is stopped or terminated, its ephemeral IP is released and can be reassigned to another instance.

2. Static IP Address:
- These are permanent, fixed addresses that do not change.
- Static IPs are manually assigned and persistently associated with a specific resource, such as an instance or a load balancer.
- Unlike ephemeral IPs, static IPs remain constant even if the associated resource is stopped or terminated.

In the context of an ALB, using static IP addresses provides a stable endpoint for clients to connect to, even if the underlying infrastructure changes.

Ephemeral IPs, on the other hand, might be more suitable for scenarios where the IP address can change dynamically without impacting the application's functionality, or when resources are frequently created and terminated.

The cost efficiency of Ephemeral IP addresses versus Static IP addresses depends on the usage pattern of your resources

1. Ephemeral IP Addresses:
- Generally, ephemeral IPs are often included as part of the overall cost of running instances or resources.
- They are typically free as long as the associated resource (like a virtual machine) is running.
- The cost is incurred when the associated resource is stopped or terminated, as the ephemeral IP is released and cannot be retained.

2. Static IP Addresses:
- Static IPs often incur additional costs compared to ephemeral IPs.
- Google Cloud may charge for reserved or unused static IP addresses, even when the associated resource is stopped.
- However, static IPs provide a consistent endpoint, which can be beneficial for scenarios requiring a fixed, unchanging address.

To determine cost efficiency, consider your application's requirements:
- If your application can adapt to dynamic IP changes and doesn't require a fixed address, ephemeral IPs may be more cost-effective.
- If your application relies on a stable, unchanging endpoint, a static IP might be necessary despite the associated cost.

Check the pricing details with your TAM to make an informed decision based on your usage patterns and requirements.

nandiniy

The document [1] can help you with the pricing details:

https://cloud.google.com/vpc/network-pricing#ipaddress

meenakshisundar

@nandiniy Thanks a lot for your input here, it helps a lot.

If you can, could you please provide your input / guidance on this topic(question) related to Custom VPC for Apigee X https://www.googlecloudcommunity.com/gc/Apigee/Custom-VPC-for-your-Apigee-X/td-p/670018

Regards,
Meenakshi Sundar.