An Azure Private Endpoint provides private connectivity from a virtual network to an Azure service by assigning that service a private IP address inside the virtual network. Instead of accessing the service through its public endpoint, applications can communicate with it through a private network connection.
For example, an Azure Storage account normally has a public endpoint. With a Private Endpoint, the storage service can be accessed using a private IP address from the connected virtual network.
How Does It Work?
A Private Endpoint uses Azure Private Link technology. A network interface is created inside a subnet in your virtual network, and that network interface receives a private IP address.
The basic architecture can be understood as:
Application → Virtual Network → Private Endpoint → Azure Service
Private DNS is also important because applications need to resolve the service's normal hostname to the private endpoint address rather than a public IP address.
Why Use Azure Private Endpoints?
Private Endpoints are particularly useful when organizations want to reduce public network exposure and keep traffic between applications and Azure services on private connectivity.
Common use cases include:
- Azure Storage
- Azure SQL Database
- Azure Key Vault
- Azure Cosmos DB
- Azure Container Registry
- Other services that support Azure Private Link
They are frequently used in environments where security, network isolation, compliance, and controlled access are important.
Private Endpoint vs Service Endpoint
A Service Endpoint extends a virtual network's identity to an Azure service over Azure's backbone network, while a Private Endpoint gives the service a private IP address within the virtual network.
Private Endpoints generally provide stronger network isolation because the service can be reached through a private IP rather than requiring a public endpoint.
Final Thoughts
An Azure Private Endpoint is a useful networking feature for connecting applications to supported Azure services without relying on public internet access. When combined with private DNS, network security controls, identity management, and least-privilege access, it can form an important part of a secure Azure architecture.