Step 3: Create Internet Gateway
An Internet Gateway (IGW) enables communication between your VPC and the internet. Without an IGW, your public subnet cannot access the internet.
Create the Internet Gateway
- Navigate to VPC Dashboard and select Internet Gateways.
- Click Create Internet Gateway.
- Enter a name tag: My-Company-IGW
- Click Create.
Attach the Internet Gateway to Your VPC
After creating the Internet Gateway, you must attach it to your VPC:
- Select the Internet Gateway you just created.
- Click Actions and select Attach to VPC.
- Select My-Company-VPC from the dropdown.
- Click Attach.
Verification
After attaching, the Internet Gateway status should change from detached to attached. The VPC column should display your VPC name.
What the Internet Gateway Does
| Function | Description |
|---|---|
| Outbound Traffic | Allows instances in your public subnet to access the internet |
| Inbound Traffic | Allows internet users to reach your public-facing servers |
| NAT for Public IPs | Performs network address translation for instances with public IP addresses |
Note: The Internet Gateway alone does not provide internet access. You must also configure route tables (next step) to direct traffic through the gateway.