Quick Answer
The answer is that the source VM’s static IP configuration was not changed to DHCP. When you migrate a VMware VM to AWS MGN, the operating system must use DHCP to obtain an IP address from the AWS VPC, because AWS does not support static IP assignments at the instance level. If the source Windows Server 2016 VM retains its static IP after cutover, it cannot communicate with the AWS DHCP service, causing the health check to fail. On the AWS Certified Solutions Architect Professional SAP-C02 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of how AWS MGN handles network configuration during migration—a common trap is assuming that instance type, volume type, or security groups are the root cause, when the real issue is the OS-level network setting. Remember the tip: “Static stops, DHCP delivers”—if the health check fails after migration, always verify the network adapter is set to obtain an IP automatically.
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.
A company is migrating its on-premises VMware VMs to AWS using AWS MGN. After the test cutover, the migrated EC2 instance fails the health check. The source VM runs Windows Server 2016 with a static IP. What is the most likely cause?
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.
The security group does not allow inbound RDP.
Why wrong: RDP not needed for health check.
The EBS volume type is not gp3.
Why wrong: Volume type doesn't affect health check.
The source VM's static IP configuration was not changed to DHCP.
Static IP causes network issues in AWS.
The instance type is not compatible with Windows Server 2016.
Why wrong: Instance type is compatible.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
The source VM's static IP configuration was not changed to DHCP.
Option B is correct because static IP conflicts with AWS DHCP. Option A is wrong because instance type does not affect health checks. Option C is wrong because the volume type is not a factor. Option D is wrong because security groups are not related to DHCP.
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
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
The security group does not allow inbound RDP.
Why it's wrong here
RDP not needed for health check.
The EBS volume type is not gp3.
Why it's wrong here
Volume type doesn't affect health check.
The source VM's static IP configuration was not changed to DHCP.
Why this is correct
Static IP causes network issues in AWS.
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 type is not compatible with Windows Server 2016.
Why it's wrong here
Instance type is compatible.
Common exam traps
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
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.
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
An e-commerce site experiences heavy traffic on Black Friday and near-zero traffic during off-peak weeks. Rather than provisioning permanent large VMs, the team uses auto-scaling groups that add capacity automatically under load and reduce it overnight. Questions like this test whether you understand elasticity, availability zones, and cloud compute scaling patterns.
What to study next
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.
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FAQ
Accelerate Workload Migration and Modernization — This question tests Accelerate Workload Migration and Modernization — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
The correct answer is: The source VM's static IP configuration was not changed to DHCP. — Option B is correct because static IP conflicts with AWS DHCP. Option A is wrong because instance type does not affect health checks. Option C is wrong because the volume type is not a factor. Option D is wrong because security groups are not related to DHCP.
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.
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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Last reviewed: Jun 20, 2026
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