A direct connection is a dedicated pathway between two endpoints, enabling secure, low-latency, and predictable communication without traversing the public internet. This approach is widely used for sensitive data transfers, real-time applications, and environments demanding consistent performance.

Key features of direct connections include point-to-point links, exclusive access, dedicated bandwidth, and enhanced security. Common types are leased lines, dark fiber, Ethernet Private Lines (EPL), and cloud direct connect services from major providers. These solutions isolate traffic from other network users, reduce latency by minimizing network hops, and offer reliable, high-availability connectivity—making them ideal for mission-critical workloads.

In modern network environments, platforms like Hedgehog Open Network Fabric streamline the provisioning and management of direct connections. Hedgehog supports integration with cloud direct connect services, automated link setup, and real-time monitoring to optimize performance and reliability across distributed sites.

Direct connections provide organizations with a robust foundation for secure, high-performance networking, supporting business growth and operational efficiency across industries.