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https://github.com/gachokahassan/amazon-vpc-traffic-security

This project showcases secure and efficient cloud networking by configuring AWS VPC, Route Tables, Security Groups, NACLs, and an IGW to optimize traffic flow and enhance resource security.
https://github.com/gachokahassan/amazon-vpc-traffic-security

aws aws-ec2 aws-internet-gateway aws-network-acl aws-security-group aws-security-groups aws-vpc aws-vpc-subnet

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This project showcases secure and efficient cloud networking by configuring AWS VPC, Route Tables, Security Groups, NACLs, and an IGW to optimize traffic flow and enhance resource security.

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README 

        
# VPC Traffic Flow and Security Project 🔒



[![AWS](https://img.shields.io/badge/AWS-100000?style=flat&logo=amazon&logoColor=white&labelColor=232F3E&color=FF9900)](https://aws.amazon.com/) 

[![AWS VPC](https://img.shields.io/badge/AWS_VPC-100000?style=flat&logo=amazonaws&logoColor=white&labelColor=0052CC&color=232F3E)](https://aws.amazon.com/vpc/) 

[![AWS Security](https://img.shields.io/badge/AWS_Security-100000?style=flat&logo=amazonaws&logoColor=white&labelColor=232F3E&color=569A31)](https://aws.amazon.com/security/)

[![AWS EC2](https://img.shields.io/badge/AWS_EC2-100000?style=flat&logo=amazonec2&logoColor=white&labelColor=FF9900&color=232F3E)](https://aws.amazon.com/ec2/)

[![AWS IGW](https://img.shields.io/badge/AWS_IGW-100000?style=flat&logo=amazonaws&logoColor=white&labelColor=232F3E&color=0052CC)](https://docs.aws.amazon.com/vpc/latest/userguide/VPC_Internet_Gateway.html)

[![AWS NACL](https://img.shields.io/badge/AWS_NACL-100000?style=flat&logo=amazonaws&logoColor=white&labelColor=569A31&color=232F3E)](https://docs.aws.amazon.com/vpc/latest/userguide/vpc-network-acls.html)

[![AWS Security Groups](https://img.shields.io/badge/AWS_Security_Groups-100000?style=flat&logo=amazonaws&logoColor=white&labelColor=FF4F8B&color=232F3E)](https://docs.aws.amazon.com/vpc/latest/userguide/VPC_SecurityGroups.html)



---



## Overview

This project demonstrates the use of **Amazon Virtual Private Cloud (VPC)** to manage traffic flow and enhance security within an AWS environment. The primary focus is on configuring and integrating key networking components such as **Route Tables**, **Network Access Control Lists (NACLs)**, and **Security Groups** to achieve a secure and efficient network infrastructure.



![VPC Architecture Diagram](Images/architecture.png)



---



## Table of Contents

1. [What is Amazon VPC?](#what-is-amazon-vpc)

2. [Project Objectives](#project-objectives)

3. [Key Components and Configurations](#key-components-and-configurations)

4. [Project Timeline](#project-timeline)

5. [Key Learnings](#key-learnings)

6. [Best Practices](#best-practices)

7. [Community and Acknowledgment](#community-and-acknowledgment)

8. [Author](#author)



---



## What is Amazon VPC?

Amazon Virtual Private Cloud (VPC) enables you to launch AWS resources in a logically isolated network that you define. It provides:

- **Enhanced Security**: Isolated networking environments.

- **Customization**: Complete control over network configurations.

- **Scalability**: Integration with other AWS services for seamless scaling.



---



## Project Objectives

1. Configure **Route Tables** to direct traffic efficiently.

2. Use **Security Groups** to define firewall rules for EC2 instances.

3. Apply **NACLs** for subnet-level traffic control.

4. Validate traffic flow and security configurations through testing.



---



## Key Components and Configurations



### 1. **Route Tables**

Route Tables determine where network traffic is directed within the VPC.

- **Key Setup**:

  - Public subnets require a route table entry with:

    - **Destination**: `0.0.0.0/0`

    - **Target**: Internet Gateway (IGW)

- **Example**: Configured a route to direct internet-bound traffic through the IGW.



### 2. **Security Groups**

Security Groups act as virtual firewalls for Amazon EC2 instances to control inbound and outbound traffic.

- **Rules**:

  - **Inbound**: Allow specific ports and IP ranges.

  - **Outbound**: Allow all traffic by default, with optional restrictions.

- **Configuration**: Defined custom rules to secure traffic to specific instances.



![Web Server Configuration](Images/web-server.png)  



### 3. **Network Access Control Lists (NACLs)**

NACLs provide stateless, subnet-level traffic control.

- **Default Behavior**:

  - Allow all inbound and outbound traffic unless specified otherwise.

- **Custom Rules**:

  - Block traffic from specific IP ranges.

  - Permit only approved traffic flows.



![Network ACL](Images/network-acl.png)



---



## Project Timeline

- **Duration**: 50 minutes

  - VPC creation and configuration: 20 minutes

  - Documentation: 30 minutes



---



## Key Learnings

1. **Route Table Configurations**: Making subnets public by routing traffic to an Internet Gateway.

2. **Security Layering**: Combining NACLs and Security Groups for robust traffic control.

3. **Protocols and Ports**: Understanding how rules impact resource communication.

4. **Complexity Management**: Proper NACL configuration to prevent unintended restrictions.



---



## Best Practices

- Use both **NACLs** and **Security Groups** for layered security.

- Document configurations to ensure clarity and repeatability.

- Test traffic flows to confirm proper rule implementation.



---



## Community and Acknowledgment

Special thanks to [NextWork Community](https://link.nextwork.org/app?utm_source=app&utm_medium=nav&utm_campaign=referral) and **Natasha Ong** ([LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/natasha-ong)) for their valuable guidance and insights.



---



## Author

**Hassan Gachoka**  

[LinkedIn](https://linkedin.com/in/gachokahassan)