- A
Check Security Group rules first, then Network ACLs, then route tables, then public IP assignment, and finally OS-level logs.
This order follows a logical troubleshooting approach: start with the most common and easily verified layers (Security Groups), then move to NACLs (subnet-level), routing (VPC-level), public IP (instance-level), and finally OS logs (instance OS-level).
- B
Check public IP assignment first, then Security Group rules, then route tables, then Network ACLs, then OS-level logs.
Why wrong: This is incorrect because public IP assignment is rarely the root cause for SSH unreachability; starting there wastes time. Security Groups and NACLs are more likely to block SSH.
- C
Check OS-level logs first, then Security Group rules, then Network ACLs, then route tables, then public IP assignment.
Why wrong: This is incorrect because OS-level logs should be a last resort after network-level checks. Starting with OS logs is inefficient and may not reveal network-level blocks.
- D
Check route tables first, then Network ACLs, then Security Group rules, then public IP assignment, then OS-level logs.
Why wrong: This is incorrect because route tables affect outbound traffic, not inbound SSH; checking them early is unnecessary. Security Groups and NACLs are more direct causes for inbound SSH failure.
SAA-C03 Design High-Performing Architectures Practice Question
This SAA-C03 practice question tests your understanding of design high-performing architectures. 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.
Arrange the steps to troubleshoot an EC2 instance that is unreachable via SSH.
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
Check Security Group rules first, then Network ACLs, then route tables, then public IP assignment, and finally OS-level logs.
Start with security group, then NACL, routing, public IP, and finally OS-level logs.
Key principle: ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Check Security Group rules first, then Network ACLs, then route tables, then public IP assignment, and finally OS-level logs.
Why this is correct
This order follows a logical troubleshooting approach: start with the most common and easily verified layers (Security Groups), then move to NACLs (subnet-level), routing (VPC-level), public IP (instance-level), and finally OS logs (instance OS-level).
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
- ✗
Check public IP assignment first, then Security Group rules, then route tables, then Network ACLs, then OS-level logs.
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because public IP assignment is rarely the root cause for SSH unreachability; starting there wastes time. Security Groups and NACLs are more likely to block SSH.
- ✗
Check OS-level logs first, then Security Group rules, then Network ACLs, then route tables, then public IP assignment.
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because OS-level logs should be a last resort after network-level checks. Starting with OS logs is inefficient and may not reveal network-level blocks.
- ✗
Check route tables first, then Network ACLs, then Security Group rules, then public IP assignment, then OS-level logs.
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because route tables affect outbound traffic, not inbound SSH; checking them early is unnecessary. Security Groups and NACLs are more direct causes for inbound SSH failure.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: ACLs stop at the first match
ACLs are processed top to bottom. The first matching entry wins, and an implicit deny usually exists at the end.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
ACL questions test precision: source, destination, protocol, port and direction. A generally correct ACL can still fail if it is applied on the wrong interface or in the wrong direction.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Standard ACLs match source addresses.
- Extended ACLs can match source, destination, protocol and ports.
- The first matching ACL entry is used.
- There is usually an implicit deny at the end.
TExam Day Tips
- Check inbound versus outbound direction.
- Read the ACL from top to bottom.
- Look for a broader permit or deny above the intended line.
Key takeaway
ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.
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 ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related SAA-C03 ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SAA-C03 question test?
Design High-Performing Architectures — This question tests Design High-Performing Architectures — Standard ACLs match source addresses..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Check Security Group rules first, then Network ACLs, then route tables, then public IP assignment, and finally OS-level logs. — Start with security group, then NACL, routing, public IP, and finally OS-level logs.
What should I do if I get this SAA-C03 question wrong?
Review ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related SAA-C03 ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
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