ANS-C01 Network Design Practice Question
A company is designing a VPC with multiple subnets. They want to ensure that EC2 instances in a private subnet can access S3 buckets without going through a NAT Gateway or Internet Gateway. Which TWO methods can accomplish this?
⚠ Common exam trap
AWS often tests the misconception that only Gateway VPC Endpoints can access S3 privately, but Interface VPC Endpoints are also valid and are the correct answer when the question specifies 'multiple subnets' or 'on-premises connectivity' as a requirement.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Create a Gateway VPC Endpoint for S3
A Gateway VPC Endpoint for S3 allows EC2 instances in a private subnet to access S3 buckets privately using AWS’s internal network, without requiring an Internet Gateway or NAT Gateway. It uses prefix lists and route table entries to direct S3 traffic through the endpoint, leveraging the AWS global network for secure, low-latency access.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Set up a VPN connection to S3
Why it's wrong here
S3 does not support VPN endpoints.
- ✓
Create a Gateway VPC Endpoint for S3
Why this is correct
Allows private subnet instances to access S3 without internet.
- ✗
Use AWS Direct Connect to access S3
Why it's wrong here
Direct Connect is for on-premises to AWS, not for VPC to S3.
- ✓
Create an Interface VPC Endpoint for S3
Why this is correct
Also allows private access, though more expensive.
- ✗
Attach an Internet Gateway and use a NAT Gateway
Why it's wrong here
Requires NAT, not direct.
Visual reference
Quick reference
AWS S3 Storage Class Comparison
| Storage Class | Min Duration | Retrieval | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| S3 Standard | None | Immediate | Frequently accessed data |
| S3 Standard-IA | 30 days | Immediate | Infrequent access, rapid retrieval |
| S3 One Zone-IA | 30 days | Immediate | Non-critical infrequent data |
| S3 Intelligent-Tiering | None | Immediate–hours | Unknown or changing access patterns |
| S3 Glacier Instant | 90 days | Milliseconds | Archive with instant retrieval |
| S3 Glacier Flexible | 90 days | Minutes–hours | Archive, flexible retrieval |
| S3 Glacier Deep Archive | 180 days | Hours | Long-term compliance archive |
Go deeper
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Same concept, more angles
1 more way this is tested on ANS-C01
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. A company has a VPC with a public subnet for a web server and a private subnet for a database. The web server needs to make API calls to Amazon S3. Which is the most secure way to provide this access without traffic leaving the AWS network?
medium- A.Use an AWS Site-to-Site VPN to connect to a remote network that has access to S3.
- ✓ B.Create a VPC gateway endpoint for Amazon S3 and attach it to the route table of the private subnet.
- C.Set up a NAT gateway in the public subnet and route the web server's traffic through it.
- D.Use an internet gateway and a public IP address on the web server.
Why B: A VPC gateway endpoint for Amazon S3 allows resources in a private subnet to access S3 privately using the AWS network, without traversing the internet or requiring a NAT gateway. This is the most secure option because traffic stays within the AWS backbone and does not require public IPs or external connectivity.
JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This ANS-C01 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Amazon Web Services certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the ANS-C01 exam.