- A
Use a single Direct Connect connection with multiple virtual interfaces and enable encryption on the physical connection.
Why wrong: Wrong: Direct Connect does not natively encrypt; you need IPsec.
- B
Use AWS Transit Gateway with an IPsec VPN over Direct Connect using a virtual private gateway on each VPC, and configure Transit Gateway route tables.
Correct: IPsec provides encryption; Transit Gateway enables VPC-to-VPC.
- C
Use AWS Transit Gateway with Direct Connect Gateway and enable encryption on the Transit Gateway attachments.
Why wrong: Wrong: Transit Gateway attachments do not encrypt traffic; you need IPsec.
- D
Set up a VPN connection over the internet between on-premises and each VPC, and use VPC Peering for VPC-to-VPC traffic.
Why wrong: Wrong: Does not use Direct Connect; VPC Peering works but lacks encryption.
Quick Answer
The correct solution is to use AWS Transit Gateway with an IPsec VPN over Direct Connect, combined with a virtual private gateway on each VPC and properly configured Transit Gateway route tables. This works because the IPsec VPN tunnel, established over the Direct Connect private virtual interface, encrypts all traffic between on-premises and the VPCs, while Transit Gateway enables secure VPC-to-VPC routing without traversing the internet. On the AWS Certified Advanced Networking Specialty ANS-C01 exam, this scenario tests your understanding that Direct Connect alone provides no encryption—a common trap where candidates assume physical isolation equals security. The exam often presents options that mix VPN over the public internet (which bypasses Direct Connect) or omit encryption for VPC-to-VPC traffic, so remember that Transit Gateway with IPsec over Direct Connect is the only choice that satisfies both encryption and private connectivity. Memory tip: think “TGW + IPsec over DX = encrypted and private, no internet escape.”
ANS-C01 Network Design Practice Question
This ANS-C01 practice question tests your understanding of network design. 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 is designing a hybrid network using AWS Direct Connect with multiple VPCs in the same region. They need to ensure that traffic between on-premises and VPCs is encrypted and that VPC-to-VPC traffic does not traverse the internet. Which solution meets these requirements?
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
Use AWS Transit Gateway with an IPsec VPN over Direct Connect using a virtual private gateway on each VPC, and configure Transit Gateway route tables.
Option D is correct because Transit Gateway with IPsec VPN over Direct Connect provides encryption and VPC connectivity. Option A is wrong because Direct Connect alone does not encrypt traffic. Option B is wrong because VPN over the internet does not use Direct Connect. Option C is wrong because it does not provide encryption for VPC-to-VPC traffic.
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.
- ✗
Use a single Direct Connect connection with multiple virtual interfaces and enable encryption on the physical connection.
Why it's wrong here
Wrong: Direct Connect does not natively encrypt; you need IPsec.
- ✓
Use AWS Transit Gateway with an IPsec VPN over Direct Connect using a virtual private gateway on each VPC, and configure Transit Gateway route tables.
- ✗
Use AWS Transit Gateway with Direct Connect Gateway and enable encryption on the Transit Gateway attachments.
- ✗
Set up a VPN connection over the internet between on-premises and each VPC, and use VPC Peering for VPC-to-VPC traffic.
Why it's wrong here
Wrong: Does not use Direct Connect; VPC Peering works but lacks encryption.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
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.
- Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
- Underline the problem statement mentally.
- 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 ANS-C01 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this ANS-C01 question test?
Network Design — This question tests Network Design — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Use AWS Transit Gateway with an IPsec VPN over Direct Connect using a virtual private gateway on each VPC, and configure Transit Gateway route tables. — Option D is correct because Transit Gateway with IPsec VPN over Direct Connect provides encryption and VPC connectivity. Option A is wrong because Direct Connect alone does not encrypt traffic. Option B is wrong because VPN over the internet does not use Direct Connect. Option C is wrong because it does not provide encryption for VPC-to-VPC traffic.
What should I do if I get this ANS-C01 question wrong?
Identify which ANS-C01 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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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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