Quick Answer
The answer is AWS Network Firewall, which is the correct choice because it provides a centralized dashboard for managing firewall rules across multiple VPCs and on-premises networks, enabling consistent policy enforcement at the network perimeter. Unlike AWS WAF, which operates at the application layer, or NACLs and Security Groups, which are stateless and stateful filters tied to subnets or elastic network interfaces respectively, AWS Network Firewall offers a managed, scalable service that aggregates rule management into a single pane of glass. On the AWS Certified Advanced Networking Specialty ANS-C01 exam, this question tests your understanding of centralized versus distributed security controls, often appearing in scenarios requiring cross-VPC and hybrid connectivity governance. A common trap is confusing AWS Network Firewall with AWS WAF or thinking NACLs provide centralized management—remember that NACLs are per-subnet and Security Groups are per-ENI, neither offering a unified dashboard. Memory tip: think “Network Firewall = Network-wide Centralized Control,” contrasting with “WAF = Web App Layer,” “NACL = Subnet Layer,” and “SG = Instance Layer.”
This ANS-C01 practice question tests your understanding of network management and operations. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A company needs to centrally manage network security policies across multiple VPCs and on-premises networks. Which AWS service provides a centralized dashboard for managing firewall rules?
Network ACLs
Why wrong: NACLs are per-subnet and not centrally managed across VPCs.
Security Groups
Why wrong: Security Groups are per-ENI and not centralized.
AWS WAF
Why wrong: AWS WAF is for web application layer, not network firewall.
AWS Network Firewall
AWS Network Firewall provides centralized firewall management across VPCs.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
AWS Network Firewall
Option C is correct because AWS Network Firewall provides a centralized firewall management service. Option A is incorrect because AWS WAF is for web application firewall, not network-level policies. Option B is incorrect because NACLs are per-subnet and not centralized. Option D is incorrect because Security Groups are per-ENI and not centralized.
Key principle: Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Network ACLs
Why it's wrong here
NACLs are per-subnet and not centrally managed across VPCs.
Security Groups
Why it's wrong here
Security Groups are per-ENI and not centralized.
AWS WAF
Why it's wrong here
AWS WAF is for web application layer, not network firewall.
AWS Network Firewall
Common exam traps
Subnetting questions often tempt you into counting all addresses. In normal IPv4 subnets, the network and broadcast addresses are not usable host addresses.
Detailed technical explanation
Subnetting questions test whether you can identify the network, broadcast address, usable range, mask and correct subnet. Slow down enough to calculate the block size correctly.
Key takeaway
Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets.
Real-world example
A healthcare organisation deploys an application with a public-facing web tier and a private database tier. The database subnet has no public IP and only accepts connections from the web tier's security group. Questions like this test whether you can design cloud network isolation using VNets/VPCs, subnets, and security group rules.
What to study next
Review block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related ANS-C01 subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
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FAQ
Network Management and Operations — This question tests Network Management and Operations — CIDR notation defines the prefix length..
The correct answer is: AWS Network Firewall — Option C is correct because AWS Network Firewall provides a centralized firewall management service. Option A is incorrect because AWS WAF is for web application firewall, not network-level policies. Option B is incorrect because NACLs are per-subnet and not centralized. Option D is incorrect because Security Groups are per-ENI and not centralized.
Review block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related ANS-C01 subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
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Last reviewed: Jun 20, 2026
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.
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