The answer is to set up AWS Direct Connect between the VPC and the on-premises data center. This is correct because AWS Direct Connect provides a dedicated, private network connection that bypasses the public internet, offering significantly lower latency and higher throughput than a VPN, which is essential for latency-sensitive SAP workloads accessing an on-premises database. On the AWS Certified SAP on AWS Specialty PAS-C01 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of hybrid networking trade-offs, often appearing in questions that contrast Direct Connect with VPN, VPC Peering, or NAT Gateway options. A common trap is assuming a VPN can be tuned to match Direct Connect performance, but even with increased bandwidth, VPNs still suffer from internet-based jitter and encryption overhead. Remember the memory tip: Direct Connect is the “dedicated lane” for consistent, low-latency hybrid traffic, while VPN is the “shared highway” subject to congestion.
PAS-C01 Technology Practice Question
This PAS-C01 practice question tests your understanding of technology. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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 runs its SAP application on EC2 instances in a private subnet. The SAP application needs to access an on-premises database through a VPN connection. The company wants to improve network performance and reduce latency between the SAP application and the on-premises database. Which action should the company take?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Set up AWS Direct Connect between the VPC and on-premises data center.
Option C is correct because AWS Direct Connect provides a dedicated network connection with lower latency and higher throughput than VPN. Option A is wrong because a NATGateway is for outbound internet access, not for on-premises connectivity. Option B is wrong because VPC Peering is for connecting VPCs, not on-premises. Option D is wrong because increasing VPN tunnel bandwidth may help but still has higher latency than Direct Connect.
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.
✓
Set up AWS Direct Connect between the VPC and on-premises data center.
Why this is correct
Direct Connect provides dedicated, low-latency connection.
VPN still uses internet, higher latency than Direct Connect.
✗
Create a VPC Peering connection to the on-premises network.
Why it's wrong here
VPC Peering is for VPC-to-VPC, not on-premises.
✗
Add a NAT Gateway to the private subnet.
Why it's wrong here
NATGateway is for internet access, not for on-premises connectivity.
Common exam traps
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 company's IT admin needs to give a contractor read-only access to production logs without sharing account credentials. Using role-based access control (RBAC) and temporary scoped permissions — not a permanent shared password — is the correct pattern. Questions like this test whether you can apply least-privilege access across cloud identity services.
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 PAS-C01 subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
Technology — This question tests Technology — CIDR notation defines the prefix length..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Set up AWS Direct Connect between the VPC and on-premises data center. — Option C is correct because AWS Direct Connect provides a dedicated network connection with lower latency and higher throughput than VPN. Option A is wrong because a NAT Gateway is for outbound internet access, not for on-premises connectivity. Option B is wrong because VPC Peering is for connecting VPCs, not on-premises. Option D is wrong because increasing VPN tunnel bandwidth may help but still has higher latency than Direct Connect.
What should I do if I get this PAS-C01 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 PAS-C01 subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
What is the key concept behind this question?
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
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Question Discussion
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