Choosing the right GCP Private Networking option

There are multiple options Private Networking Access in GCP, but deciding on the right option depends on the requirements on hand…

Private Service Connect (PSC):

• What it does: Creates a private connection between your VPC network and a Google service (producer) or another VPC network (consumer).

Benefits:

• Increased security: Traffic never traverses the public internet.
• Improved control: You define IP ranges for connections.
• Service isolation: Granular control over access to specific services.

Drawbacks:

• More complex setup compared to Private Google Access.
• Requires service producer to also be using PSC (for inter-VPC).

Private Services Access (PSA):

. What it does: Establishes a private connection between your VPC network and a service offered by Google or a third-party (producer). This allows your virtual machines (VMs) to access the service using internal IP addresses, bypassing the public internet.

Benefits:

• Enhanced security: Traffic remains within Google’s network, reducing internet exposure.
• Reduced egress costs: Communication with the service doesn’t incur internet egress charges.
• Potential for simplified setup compared to PSC (depends on the specific service).

Drawbacks:

• Limited service support: Not all Google services or third-party offerings work with PSA. Check with the service provider for compatibility.
• Less flexible than PSC: You cannot use your own internal IP ranges for connections.
• May require additional configuration on the service producer’s end.

Private Service Connect endpoints for Google APIs:

• What it is: A specific use case of PSC for accessing Google APIs.

Benefits:

• Combines the security and control of PSC with access to Google APIs.

Drawbacks:

• Shares the setup complexity of PSC.

Private Google Access (PGA):

• What it does: Enables access to Google APIs and services from your VPC network without using public IP addresses.

Benefits:

• Simpler setup than PSC.
• Standardized access for all Google APIs.

Drawbacks:

• Less flexible: You cannot use your own internal IP addresses.
• Not suitable for G Suite access (requires separate internet connection).

Choosing between PSC and PSA:

Use PSC if:

• You need maximum control over IP addressing for connections.
• You require a private connection for services not supported by PSA.
• You need to establish a private connection between two VPC networks (inter-VPC).

Use PSA if:

• You prioritize a potentially simpler setup compared to PSC.
• The service you want to access supports PSA.
• You don’t require strict control over IP addressing.