Create a Cloud Router

A Cloud Router connects a private network to the internet and to other networks. Without one, servers on a private network can talk to each other but cannot reach the internet. The default network already has a router; you create your own when you build custom networks.

Create the router

1. Open Networking, then Cloud Routers, and create a router.
2. Fill in:
   • Name: for example main-router.
   • External Gateway: set this to the region's external network. This is what gives connected servers outbound internet access. Leave it off only for a router that just joins internal networks.
3. Create it.

Connect your networks

A router does nothing until you attach subnets to it.

1. Open the router and add an interface for each private subnet it should serve.
2. Choose the subnet and confirm.

Once a subnet is attached to a router that has an external gateway, servers on it can reach the internet outbound. Inbound access still needs a public IP and open security rules. To see how your networks and routers connect, open the Network Map.