Upgrading ExpressRoute Standard Gateway for FastPath
You have an Azure subscription that contains an ExpressRoute Standard gateway named GW1. You need to upgrade GW1 to support ExpressRoute FastPath. The solution must minimize downtime. Which SKU should you use?
Community Votes
82% of anonymous learners picked answer A. Votes are pick records left by other test-takers — they are not the verified answer.
Community Insight
The question tests knowledge of ExpressRoute gateway SKU upgrade paths and FastPath compatibility, with the common trap being the selection of an AZ-enabled SKU which cannot be migrated seamlessly from a Standard non-AZ gateway.
This page explains how to upgrade an Azure ExpressRoute Standard gateway to support FastPath while minimizing downtime. It establishes that Ultra Performance is the correct SKU choice because it supports FastPath and allows seamless migration from Standard, unlike Availability Zone (AZ) SKUs.
Many learners select ErGw3AZ because it supports FastPath and offers high availability, but they overlook the constraint that Seamless Gateway Migration does not support upgrading from a Standard (non-AZ) gateway to an AZ-enabled SKU.
Community Discussion (12 comments)
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Expert Analysis
Why the Answer Is Correct
To support ExpressRoute FastPath, the gateway must be either an Ultra Performance or an ErGw3AZ SKU. The requirement to "minimize downtime" points directly to using the Seamless Gateway Migration feature. This feature supports specific upgrade paths, including Standard to Ultra Performance. Since the starting gateway is Standard (which implies a non-AZ deployment), migrating to an AZ-enabled SKU like ErGw3AZ is not supported via seamless migration; it would require a full replacement, causing significant downtime. Therefore, Ultra Performance is the only valid option that meets both the FastPath and minimal downtime criteria.Why the Other Options Are Wrong
ErGw1AZ and ErGw2AZ do not support FastPath, so they are incorrect regardless of migration constraints. ErGw3AZ supports FastPath but requires a full gateway replacement when upgrading from a Standard SKU, leading to extended downtime rather than minimized downtime. High Performance also does not support FastPath.Community Comment Notes
Community consensus strongly favors Ultra Performance, with users noting that standard-to-AZ upgrades are not supported for seamless migration. As one user noted, "only ErGw3AZ and Ultra Performance are supported by FastPath... you cannot upgrade from Standard to ErGw3AZ." Another commenter highlighted the supported upgrade matrix, confirming that Standard to Ultra Performance is a valid path while Standard to ErGw3AZ is not.Official Reference
Exam Strategy
When asked about minimizing downtime in Azure network upgrades, always look for 'Seamless' or 'In-place' migration options. Distinguish between SKUs that support new features (like FastPath) and those that allow seamless upgrades from your current configuration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't I upgrade Standard to ErGw3AZ for FastPath?
Seamless Gateway Migration does not support upgrading from a Standard (non-AZ) gateway to an AZ-enabled SKU like ErGw3AZ. Doing so requires a full replacement, causing downtime.
Does High Performance support ExpressRoute FastPath?
No, High Performance does not support FastPath. Only Ultra Performance and ErGw3AZ SKUs support this feature.
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