The correct answer is to use TLS or IPsec at the application layer between instances. This is necessary because VPC peering connections operate as a simple layer-3 routing link within AWS’s network, and they do not support native encryption of traffic—unlike VPN connections or Direct Connect, which can offer built-in encryption options. On the AWS Certified Advanced Networking Specialty ANS-C01 exam, this question tests your understanding that VPC peering is a non-encrypted, private network path, so any requirement for encrypting traffic between peered VPCs must be handled by the instances themselves, typically through application-layer protocols like TLS for web traffic or IPsec tunnels configured between the communicating instances. A common trap is assuming that VPC peering inherently secures data, but it only provides network isolation, not encryption. Remember the memory tip: “Peering is private, not protected—encrypt at the app layer.”
ANS-C01 Network Implementation Practice Question
This ANS-C01 practice question tests your understanding of network implementation. 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 wants to ensure that traffic between two VPCs in the same region is encrypted in transit. The VPCs are connected via a VPC peering connection. What should the network engineer do to meet this requirement?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Use TLS or IPsec at the application layer between instances.
Option B is correct because VPC peering connections do not support native encryption of traffic. To meet the requirement for encryption in transit between two VPCs connected via a VPC peering connection, you must implement encryption at the application layer using TLS or IPsec between the instances. This ensures that traffic is encrypted end-to-end, independent of the underlying network path.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Create an AWS Site-to-Site VPN between the VPCs and disable the VPC peering connection.
Why it's wrong here
While a VPN provides encryption, it adds complexity; VPC peering can still be used with application-layer encryption.
✓
Use TLS or IPsec at the application layer between instances.
Why this is correct
Application-layer encryption provides encryption over the peering connection.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Replace the VPC peering connection with a Transit Gateway and enable VPN encryption.
Why it's wrong here
Transit Gateway does not provide built-in encryption; a VPN attachment would be needed, but it's more complex.
✗
Enable encryption on the VPC peering connection.
Why it's wrong here
VPC peering does not support encryption at the connection level.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often assume VPC peering connections are inherently encrypted because they use the AWS private network, but AWS does not encrypt traffic over VPC peering; encryption must be implemented at the application or instance layer.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
VPC peering connections operate at the layer 2/3 level within the AWS network, using the AWS private backbone, but they do not provide encryption of the data payload. To achieve encryption in transit, you must implement TLS (e.g., HTTPS, mTLS) or IPsec (e.g., using a VPN appliance or software like WireGuard) at the application or instance level. This is a common pattern for compliance requirements such as PCI DSS or HIPAA, where data must be encrypted even within a trusted network.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
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
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Network Implementation — This question tests Network Implementation — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Use TLS or IPsec at the application layer between instances. — Option B is correct because VPC peering connections do not support native encryption of traffic. To meet the requirement for encryption in transit between two VPCs connected via a VPC peering connection, you must implement encryption at the application layer using TLS or IPsec between the instances. This ensures that traffic is encrypted end-to-end, independent of the underlying network path.
What should I do if I get this ANS-C01 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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