The answer is that the instance is in the 'stopped' state (Code 80) and simply needs to be started. This is correct because the AWS CLI output from the `describe-instances` call explicitly shows the instance state as `stopped`, not `running` or `pending`, meaning no underlying failure or error exists—the administrator is misreading the state code. On the AWS Certified Solutions Architect Professional SAP-C02 exam, this tests your ability to interpret EC2 state codes and avoid overcomplicating a straightforward scenario; a common trap is assuming a failed start implies a resource constraint or permission issue when the instance is merely stopped. When an EC2 instance fails to start from a stopped state, always verify the current state code first—code 80 means stopped, code 16 means running. Remember the mnemonic: "80 is stopped, don't overthink the plot."
SAP-C02 Practice Question: Accelerate Workload Migration and Modernization
This SAP-C02 practice question tests your understanding of accelerate workload migration and modernization. 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.
Network Topology
An administrator attempts to start an EC2 instance that was previously stopped. The instance fails to start. The administrator runs the CLI command shown in the exhibit. What is the most likely cause of the failure?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The instance is in the 'stopped' state and needs to be started.
Option A is correct because the instance is in 'stopped' state (Code 80), not 'running'. Option B is wrong because the state is stopped, not pending. Option C is wrong because there is no error in the output. Option D is wrong because the output shows the instance exists.
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.
✓
The instance is in the 'stopped' state and needs to be started.
Why this is correct
The State is 'stopped', so the administrator needs to start it.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
✗
The instance ID is incorrect.
Why it's wrong here
The command returned a result, so the ID is valid.
✗
The instance is in 'pending' state and will start automatically.
Why it's wrong here
The state is 'stopped', not 'pending'.
✗
The instance has been terminated.
Why it's wrong here
A terminated instance would not return state information.
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.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
The command returned a result, so the ID is valid.
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 cloud solutions architect for a retail company is evaluating services for a new workload. The correct answer here reflects best practice for the specific scenario described — not a general cloud recommendation. NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated. Cloud exam questions reward reading the constraint carefully: the same technology can be right or wrong depending on the use case.
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 SAP-C02 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Accelerate Workload Migration and Modernization — This question tests Accelerate Workload Migration and Modernization — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The instance is in the 'stopped' state and needs to be started. — Option A is correct because the instance is in 'stopped' state (Code 80), not 'running'. Option B is wrong because the state is stopped, not pending. Option C is wrong because there is no error in the output. Option D is wrong because the output shows the instance exists.
What should I do if I get this SAP-C02 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 SAP-C02 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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