SAP-C02 Practice Question: Accelerate Workload Migration and Modernization
A company is migrating a Windows-based .NET application to AWS. The application uses SQL Server for its database and stores documents on a Windows file share. The company wants to adopt a hybrid model initially, where the application runs on AWS but still connects to on-premises resources for legacy integration. The migration must use a phased approach: first move the compute to AWS, then the database, and finally the file storage. The company has high latency to the internet and wants to optimize data transfer. You have set up a Direct Connect connection. During the first phase, you migrate the web and application servers to Amazon EC2 Windows instances. You need to ensure that the EC2 instances can access the on-premises SQL Server and file share securely. Which combination of actions should be taken?
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
✓
Place the EC2 instances in a private subnet. Create a VPN connection or use Direct Connect virtual interface to connect to on-premises. Configure security groups to allow traffic to on-premises SQL Server and file share.
Placing EC2 instances in a private subnet and using a Direct Connect virtual interface (or VPN) provides a secure, low-latency connection to on-premises resources. Security groups can be configured to allow traffic only to the necessary on-premises SQL Server and file share. Option B is wrong because VPC peering is used to connect VPCs within AWS, not for on-premises connectivity; a NAT gateway is for outbound internet access from private subnets, not for secure access to on-premises resources. Option C is wrong because placing instances in a public subnet with an internet gateway exposes them to internet traffic, which is less secure and does not leverage the Direct Connect connection. Option D is wrong because ClassicLink is a legacy feature that was used for linking EC2-Classic instances to a VPC, but EC2-Classic is no longer available, and it does not provide on-premises connectivity.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Place the EC2 instances in a private subnet. Create a VPN connection or use Direct Connect virtual interface to connect to on-premises. Configure security groups to allow traffic to on-premises SQL Server and file share.
Why this is correct
Provides secure, low-latency access via Direct Connect.
- ✗
Place the EC2 instances in a private subnet with a NAT gateway. Use VPC peering to on-premises.
Why it's wrong here
VPC peering is not for on-premises; requires VPN/Direct Connect.
- ✗
Place the EC2 instances in a public subnet. Use an internet gateway and configure security groups to allow inbound traffic from on-premises IPs.
Why it's wrong here
Public subnet reduces security and does not leverage Direct Connect.
- ✗
Use Amazon EC2-Classic and link the instances to on-premises via ClassicLink.
Why it's wrong here
EC2-Classic is deprecated.
Visual reference
Quick reference
AWS S3 Storage Class Comparison
| Storage Class | Min Duration | Retrieval | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| S3 Standard | None | Immediate | Frequently accessed data |
| S3 Standard-IA | 30 days | Immediate | Infrequent access, rapid retrieval |
| S3 One Zone-IA | 30 days | Immediate | Non-critical infrequent data |
| S3 Intelligent-Tiering | None | Immediate–hours | Unknown or changing access patterns |
| S3 Glacier Instant | 90 days | Milliseconds | Archive with instant retrieval |
| S3 Glacier Flexible | 90 days | Minutes–hours | Archive, flexible retrieval |
| S3 Glacier Deep Archive | 180 days | Hours | Long-term compliance archive |
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This SAP-C02 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 SAP-C02 exam.