The correct architecture is a Network Load Balancer with Elastic IPs attached to each subnet. This works because NLB operates at Layer 4 and preserves the client’s source IP while allowing you to assign a static Elastic IP per Availability Zone, giving you a fixed IP address that remains constant even if traffic shifts between zones. On the AWS Certified Solutions Architect Professional SAP-C02 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of how to achieve fixed IP high availability across Availability Zones without relying on DNS-based load balancing—a common trap is choosing Application Load Balancer, which only provides a DNS name, or Global Accelerator, which adds unnecessary cost and complexity for a simple static IP requirement. Remember the key distinction: NLB gives you per-AZ Elastic IPs, ALB gives you a DNS endpoint, and Global Accelerator gives you two static IPs but with global routing overhead. Memory tip: “NLB = No DNS, just IPs; ALB = Always DNS.”
SAP-C02 Practice Question: Accelerate Workload Migration and Modernization
This SAP-C02 practice question tests your understanding of accelerate workload migration and modernization. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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 planning to migrate a legacy application to AWS. The application requires a fixed IP address that clients whitelist. The company wants to achieve high availability across two Availability Zones. Which architecture should they use?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Network Load Balancer (NLB) with Elastic IPs attached to each subnet
Option B (NLB with Elastic IPs) is correct because NLB supports static IP addresses and can be associated with Elastic IPs for each AZ. Option A (ALB) provides a DNS name, not fixed IP. Option C (Global Accelerator) provides two static IPs but is more complex and costly. Option D (Classic Load Balancer) does not support Elastic IPs per AZ effectively.
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.
✗
AWS Global Accelerator with Application Load Balancer
Why it's wrong here
Provides static IPs but adds unnecessary complexity and cost.
✓
Network Load Balancer (NLB) with Elastic IPs attached to each subnet
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 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 block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related SAP-C02 subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
Accelerate Workload Migration and Modernization — This question tests Accelerate Workload Migration and Modernization — CIDR notation defines the prefix length..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Network Load Balancer (NLB) with Elastic IPs attached to each subnet — Option B (NLB with Elastic IPs) is correct because NLB supports static IP addresses and can be associated with Elastic IPs for each AZ. Option A (ALB) provides a DNS name, not fixed IP. Option C (Global Accelerator) provides two static IPs but is more complex and costly. Option D (Classic Load Balancer) does not support Elastic IPs per AZ effectively.
What should I do if I get this SAP-C02 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 SAP-C02 subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
What is the key concept behind this question?
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.