This is a continuation of articles on IaC shortcomings and resolutions with regard to public cloud deployments.

When securing outbound access with a NAT Gateway in the Azure public cloud, we can choose between two routing options: Microsoft routing and user-defined routing. Let's discuss the benefits and drawbacks of each:

1. Microsoft Routing: Benefits:
• Simplicity: Microsoft routing is the default option, and it requires minimal configuration. It automatically handles routing between subnets and virtual networks.
• Ease of management: As Microsoft handles the routing, we don't need to manage any routing tables or configurations manually.
• Automatic failover: Microsoft routing provides built-in redundancy and automatic failover, ensuring high availability.

Drawbacks:

• Limited control: With Microsoft routing, we have limited control over the routing decisions. We can't customize the routing paths or add specific routing rules.
• Less flexibility: It may not be suitable for complex networking scenarios where more advanced routing options are required.
1. User-Defined Routing: Benefits:
• Enhanced control: User-defined routing allows us to have granular control over the routing decisions. We can define custom routing tables and specify the desired paths for outbound traffic.
• Advanced routing capabilities: With user-defined routing, we can implement complex routing scenarios, such as policy-based routing and route filtering.
• Integration with on-premises networks: User-defined routing enables us to establish connectivity between Azure and on-premises networks, using VPN or ExpressRoute.

Drawbacks:

• Increased management complexity: User-defined routing requires manual configuration and management of routing tables, which can be more complex and time-consuming.
• Potential for misconfiguration: If not properly configured, user-defined routing can lead to connectivity issues or suboptimal routing.
• Higher cost: User-defined routing may incur additional costs due to the need for more resources and increased management effort.

Ultimately, the choice between Microsoft routing and user-defined routing depends on our specific requirements and the complexity of our networking setup. If we prefer simplicity and don't require advanced routing capabilities, Microsoft routing can be a suitable option. On the other hand, if we need more control and flexibility over routing decisions, or if we have complex networking requirements, user-defined routing may be more appropriate