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What is an elastic network interface (ENI) and when would you use it?

An elastic network interface is defined as a virtual network interface https://docs.aws.amazon.com/vpc/latest/userguide/VPC_ElasticNetworkInterfaces.html.

I was wondering what use cases exist of this. Why would not I simply put directly an instance instead of having to use the eni, and attach it to an instance.

Thks!

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rey don sancho Avatar asked May 29 '20 17:05

rey don sancho


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What is elastic network interface used for?

AWS Network Interface or Elastic Network Interfaces (ENIs) are virtual network cards attached to EC2 instances that help facilitate network connectivity for instances. Having two or more of them connected to an instance permits it to communicate on two separate subnets.

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Decoupling the ENI from the EC2 instance allows you far more flexibility.

You can connect several ENIs to the same EC2 instance and be attached to different subnets, for example:

  • ENI A connected to a public-facing subnet

  • ENI B connected to an internal private subnet

You could, for example, attach an ENI to a running EC2 instance, or you could have it live after the EC2 instance is deleted.

As a form of "cheap" high availability: Attach a ENI to an EC2 instance; if the instance dies launch another one and attach the ENI to it. Traffic flow will only be interrupted for a short period.

There are many scenarios where this flexibility comes in handy.

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Adi Dembak Avatar answered Oct 13 '22 03:10

Adi Dembak