The correct configuration is to add a route in the VPC route table pointing to the on-premises CIDR via the virtual private gateway. This works because the virtual private gateway (VGW) is the AWS-side termination point for the Direct Connect connection, and the VPC route table dictates the path for all traffic leaving the VPC. By specifying the on-premises CIDR as the destination and the VGW as the target, you create a static route that forces traffic destined for your data center to use the Direct Connect link rather than traversing the internet. On the AWS Certified Advanced Networking Specialty ANS-C01 exam, this question tests your understanding of route propagation and traffic flow control, often appearing as a scenario where a company wants to avoid internet-based data transfer for security or cost reasons. A common trap is confusing the virtual private gateway with a transit gateway or assuming a default route (0.0.0.0/0) to the VGW will suffice—remember, you need a specific route to the on-premises CIDR, not a blanket default. Memory tip: "Specific CIDR to VGW" ensures Direct Connect, not the internet.
ANS-C01 Network Management and Operations Practice Question
This ANS-C01 practice question tests your understanding of network management and operations. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 using AWS Direct Connect to connect its on-premises data center to AWS. The company wants to ensure that traffic to the VPC uses the Direct Connect connection instead of the internet. Which configuration is required?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Add a route in the VPC route table pointing to the on-premises CIDR via the virtual private gateway.
To ensure traffic uses Direct Connect, the route table in the VPC must have a route to the on-premises CIDR via the virtual private gateway (VGW) attached to the Direct Connect. Additionally, on the on-premises side, routes must point to the Direct Connect. The VPC route table should have a more specific route or a default route pointing to the VGW.
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
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Create a VPC peering connection to the on-premises network.
Why it's wrong here
VPC peering is for VPC-to-VPC, not on-premises.
✓
Add a route in the VPC route table pointing to the on-premises CIDR via the virtual private gateway.
Why this is correct
This directs traffic to the Direct Connect connection.
NAT gateways are for outbound internet traffic, not hybrid connectivity.
✗
Add a route in the VPC route table pointing to the on-premises CIDR via the internet gateway.
Why it's wrong here
This would route traffic via the internet, not Direct Connect.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: usable hosts are not the same as total addresses
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
How to think about this question
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.
KKey Concepts to Remember
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
Block size helps identify subnet boundaries.
Network and broadcast addresses are not usable hosts in normal IPv4 subnets.
The required host count determines the smallest suitable subnet.
TExam Day Tips
→Write the block size before choosing the subnet.
→Check whether the question asks for hosts, subnets or a specific address range.
→Do not confuse /24, /25, /26 and /27 host counts.
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
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.
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.
Network Management and Operations — This question tests Network Management and Operations — CIDR notation defines the prefix length..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Add a route in the VPC route table pointing to the on-premises CIDR via the virtual private gateway. — To ensure traffic uses Direct Connect, the route table in the VPC must have a route to the on-premises CIDR via the virtual private gateway (VGW) attached to the Direct Connect. Additionally, on the on-premises side, routes must point to the Direct Connect. The VPC route table should have a more specific route or a default route pointing to the VGW.
What should I do if I get this ANS-C01 question wrong?
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
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Question Discussion
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