Setting Up AWS MGN
Setting up AWS MGN involves configuring the service in your AWS account, preparing network connectivity, and installing replication agents on source servers.
- Initialize: Enable AWS MGN in the target AWS region and configure replication settings
- Networking: Ensure source servers can communicate with AWS replication endpoints (port 443 and 1500)
- Install agents: Deploy the AWS Replication Agent on each source server
- Configure templates: Define target instance types, VPC placement, and security groups
- Monitor: Track replication progress and data lag in the AWS MGN console
Best Practices for AWS MGN Migration
Following these best practices ensures smooth migration with AWS Application Migration Service.
- Test migration with non-production servers first to validate networking and configurations
- Right-size target instances based on actual utilization data, not source server specifications
- Plan cutover windows during low-traffic periods for each application
- Run test launches and validate application functionality before production cutover
- Keep source servers running for at least 1-2 weeks after cutover as rollback capability
Learn more about migration planning in our comprehensive migration guide and explore AWS Database Migration Service for database migration.
AWS MGN vs Other Migration Tools
AWS MGN is best for server rehosting, but other AWS tools address different migration scenarios.
- AWS MGN: Server-level migration with continuous replication, best for lift-and-shift
- AWS DMS: Database migration with schema conversion, best for database replatforming
- AWS Transfer Family: File transfer to S3, best for data migration workflows
- AWS Migration Hub: Central tracking dashboard for all migration tools
Get expert support from AWS cloud consultants or managed services for your migration project.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much downtime does AWS MGN cutover require?
Cutover typically requires minutes to a few hours depending on final sync volume. Continuous replication minimizes the data that needs to sync during cutover. Most applications experience less than 1 hour of downtime.
What operating systems does AWS MGN support?
AWS MGN supports Windows Server 2003 and later, and most Linux distributions including Amazon Linux, Ubuntu, RHEL, CentOS, SUSE, and Debian. Both physical and virtual servers are supported.
How much does AWS MGN cost?
AWS MGN is free for the first 90 days per source server. After that, standard replication charges apply. You pay for the target EC2 instances, EBS storage, and data transfer during and after migration.
Can I migrate from another cloud to AWS using MGN?
Yes. AWS MGN supports migration from any source including Azure, Google Cloud, and other cloud providers. Install the replication agent on the source cloud instances just as you would for physical or VMware servers.
What bandwidth does AWS MGN require?
Bandwidth requirements depend on data volume and change rate. Initial replication needs enough bandwidth to complete within your timeline. Ongoing replication typically requires 5-25 Mbps per server depending on change rate.
