The answer is to create two separate site-to-site VPN connections to two different virtual private gateways and enable ECMP. This is correct because ECMP (Equal Cost Multi-Path) routing allows traffic to be load-balanced across multiple paths with equal metrics, forcing both tunnels to be utilized actively rather than leaving one idle. In an active-active configuration, the VPN using only one tunnel typically indicates a routing or gateway limitation, and by introducing two distinct virtual private gateways, you eliminate the single point of failure and enable true multipathing. On the AWS Certified Advanced Networking Specialty ANS-C01 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of how BGP and ECMP interact with VPN redundancy—a common trap is assuming BGP MED alone can force load balancing, but MED only influences path selection, not active utilization of both tunnels. Remember the key distinction: active-passive uses one tunnel by design, while active-active requires ECMP and separate gateways. Memory tip: “Two gateways, two tunnels, ECMP for equal funnels.”
ANS-C01 Network Management and Operations Practice Question
This ANS-C01 practice question tests your understanding of network management and operations. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 network engineer is troubleshooting high latency on a VPN connection between an on-premises network and AWS. The VPN uses two tunnels to a virtual private gateway. The engineer notices that traffic is only using one tunnel, and the other tunnel is idle. What should the engineer do to ensure both tunnels are utilized?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Create two separate site-to-site VPN connections to two different virtual private gateways and enable ECMP.
Option B is correct because creating two site-to-site VPN connections to different virtual private gateways allows for active-active use through ECMP routing. Option A is incorrect because BGP metrics (MED) influence path selection but won't force both tunnels to be used if the configuration is active-passive. Option C is incorrect because a transit gateway with ECMP can utilize multiple tunnels. Option D is incorrect because static routes do not support load balancing across tunnels without ECMP.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
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 two separate site-to-site VPN connections to two different virtual private gateways and enable ECMP.
Why this is correct
Using ECMP across multiple VPN connections allows both tunnels to be used simultaneously.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
✗
Configure BGP MED values to prefer the idle tunnel.
Why it's wrong here
MED influences path selection but does not enable active-active use; one path is still preferred.
✗
Configure static routes with equal metrics on both tunnels.
Why it's wrong here
Static routes do not load balance across tunnels; BGP is needed.
✗
Use a transit gateway with equal cost multipath routing.
Why it's wrong here
Transit gateway supports ECMP, but the issue is with a virtual private gateway, not transit gateway.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.
TExam Day Tips
→Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
→Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
→Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A startup's cloud architect reviews their monthly bill and notices costs are higher than expected for a long-running batch job. Switching from on-demand instances to Reserved Instances — or using Spot/Preemptible VMs — can reduce compute costs by up to 72 %. Questions like this test whether you understand the tradeoffs between commitment, flexibility, and cost across cloud pricing models.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related ANS-C01 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Network Management and Operations — This question tests Network Management and Operations — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Create two separate site-to-site VPN connections to two different virtual private gateways and enable ECMP. — Option B is correct because creating two site-to-site VPN connections to different virtual private gateways allows for active-active use through ECMP routing. Option A is incorrect because BGP metrics (MED) influence path selection but won't force both tunnels to be used if the configuration is active-passive. Option C is incorrect because a transit gateway with ECMP can utilize multiple tunnels. Option D is incorrect because static routes do not support load balancing across tunnels without ECMP.
What should I do if I get this ANS-C01 question wrong?
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related ANS-C01 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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Question Discussion
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