What are Virtual Network Gateways primarily used for in Azure?

Virtual Network Gateways in Azure play a critical role in establishing and managing secure connections between Azure virtual networks and on-premises networks or other cloud environments. Their primary purpose is to serve as the termination point for hybrid connectivity, which can be achieved through different methods such as VPN connections and Azure ExpressRoute.

When an organization needs to connect its on-premises infrastructure to Azure, the Virtual Network Gateway facilitates this connection, ensuring that data can flow securely across the public internet or via private channels like ExpressRoute. This capability is essential for enterprises transitioning to cloud architectures where maintaining secure hybrid environments is a priority.

While Internet access, VNET peering, and SDWAN connectivity are related to network configurations within Azure, they do not encompass the primary function of Virtual Network Gateways. Internet access can be facilitated through other Azure components such as Azure Firewall or NAT gateways, whereas VNET peering connects two Azure virtual networks directly without incurring the overhead of the Virtual Network Gateway. SDWAN connectivity can also be implemented through different Azure services that optimize routes but is not specifically tied to the role of Virtual Network Gateways. This highlights the unique position that Virtual Network Gateways hold in the Azure networking ecosystem regarding hybrid connectivity.