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General

AWS Data Transfer Terminal is a secure, physical location for you to bring your data storage devices for fast data transfer to the AWS cloud. Simply schedule a reservation at your nearest Data Transfer Terminal from the AWS console, arrive at the facility at your scheduled time, and upload your data to your AWS cloud services with your own devices, in a private setting.

AWS Data Transfer Terminal is intended for those who create or collect large amounts of data on physical, portable storage devices and need to transfer that data into the AWS cloud to enable cloud-based workloads.

AWS Data Transfer Terminal, AWS Direct Connect, and AWS Snowball are all services provided by AWS to help customers transfer data to AWS. However, they have some key differences:

  • AWS Data Transfer Terminals are physical locations around the world where you can bring data storage devices and connect them to the AWS network to transfer data using a high-speed, secure connection. This service is suited for data transfer or migration use cases where large amounts of data need to be transferred.
  • AWS Direct Connect is a dedicated network connection between your on-premises infrastructure and AWS. Direct Connect provides a high-bandwidth, low-latency connection and is suitable for use cases that require consistent, secure, and high-performance connectivity to AWS for ongoing data transfer and real-time data access.
  • AWS Snowball is a service that provides portable devices that are shipped to your location, where data can be loaded, and then shipped back to AWS for ingestion. AWS Snowball is suited for periodic data transfer scenarios and data migration, or in locations with limited connectivity.

Get started

We have AWS Data Transfer Terminals in the following metro areas: Los Angeles and New York City with plans to expand globally.

To begin using Data Transfer Terminal, you need to schedule a reservation in the AWS console. Log into your AWS account to access the Data Transfer Terminal console and complete the steps required for making a reservation. You can add info about your team, schedule a reservation, and assign authorized individuals to access the Data Transfer Terminal facility.

There is no pre-screening for people who need to physical access Data Transfer Terminals. You will be required to provide a valid government-issued photo ID to access the Data Transfer Terminal facility.

 

Before arriving at the Data Transfer Terminal facility, ensure you have received a confirmation email containing the location details and specific access instructions. Upon arrival, you will be required to present a valid government-issued photo ID at the security desk for verification.

Data transfer specialists should come prepared with all necessary equipment to perform the data transfer efficiently. This may include:

  • Laptop computer
  • Solid state drives (SSDs) or AWS Snowball devices
  • Any other relevant data transfer tools

Please note that you are solely responsible for the installation, operation, and removal of all equipment and items brought into the Data Transfer Terminal facility by you or your accompanying specialists. It is crucial to remove all personal belongings and equipment from the Data Transfer Terminal suite upon departure. AWS Data Transfer Terminal is not liable for any items left behind in the suites.

To ensure a smooth and secure data transfer process, please adhere to all provided guidelines and security protocols throughout your visit.

Each Data Transfer Terminal facility will have at least two (2) 100G optical fiber cables that are connected to the AWS network.

To prepare for using the Data Transfer Terminal facility and connecting to the network, you need to ensure your uploading device is prepared to connect to the network. You should have the following for an optimal data upload experience:
• A transceiver type 100G LR4 QSFP
• An active IP auto configuration (DHCP)
• Up-to-date software/transceiver drivers