How does AWS Direct Connect differ from traditional internet connections?

AWS Direct Connect provides dedicated private connections between your on-premises data center and AWS, differentiating it significantly from traditional internet connections. This dedicated connection allows for a consistent network performance with lower latency and higher throughput, which is essential for applications requiring stable and reliable connectivity to AWS services.

Unlike public internet connections that can be subject to variability in speed and performance due to congestion and routing changes outside your control, AWS Direct Connect creates a direct link to AWS infrastructure. This direct link enhances security as it does not traverse the public internet, providing a more private and controlled networking environment.

Additionally, the reliability and predictability of a dedicated connection can help organizations meet compliance requirements for transferring sensitive data. Hence, the fundamental characteristic of AWS Direct Connect is that it offers dedicated private connections, which cater to the needs of businesses looking for consistent performance and enhanced security when connecting to AWS services.