The correct steps are to verify that the network ACLs for both subnets allow the required traffic and to check the route tables for proper subnet connectivity. This is because, in a VPC, security groups are stateful and will automatically allow return traffic, but network ACLs are stateless and require explicit inbound and outbound rules for each direction, meaning they can silently block traffic even when security groups are configured correctly. On the AWS Certified SAP on AWS Specialty PAS-C01 exam, this question tests your understanding of the layered network defense model within a VPC, specifically how SAP application-to-HANA database traffic can fail due to a missing NACL rule or a misrouted subnet table, even when security groups appear open. A common trap is assuming security groups alone guarantee connectivity, but NACLs act as a subnet-level firewall that must be verified first. Memory tip: think of NACLs as the bouncer at the subnet door—stateless and checking both ways—while security groups are the VIP list inside the room.
PAS-C01 Operations and Maintenance Practice Question
This PAS-C01 practice question tests your understanding of operations and maintenance. 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.
An SAP administrator is troubleshooting a network connectivity issue between an SAP application server and an SAP HANA database, both running on EC2 in the same VPC. The security groups allow traffic on port 3xx15 and 3xx17. Which TWO steps should the administrator take to diagnose the problem?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Check the route tables to ensure the subnets can communicate.
Options B and D are correct. Verifying network ACLs is important because they can block traffic even if security groups allow it. Checking route tables ensures that subnets are properly connected. Option A is wrong because VPC Flow Logs are useful for analysis but not the first step. Option C is wrong because NACLs are stateless and need both inbound and outbound rules. Option E is wrong because internet gateway is not needed for internal traffic.
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.
✗
Check that the security groups have outbound rules that allow return traffic.
Why it's wrong here
Security groups are stateful, so outbound rules are not needed for return traffic.
✗
Ensure the internet gateway is attached to the VPC.
Why it's wrong here
Internet gateway is not needed for internal communication within the same VPC.
✓
Check the route tables to ensure the subnets can communicate.
Why this is correct
Route tables must have routes for intra-VPC communication.
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 healthcare organisation deploys an application with a public-facing web tier and a private database tier. The database subnet has no public IP and only accepts connections from the web tier's security group. Questions like this test whether you can design cloud network isolation using VNets/VPCs, subnets, and security group rules.
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.
Operations and Maintenance — This question tests Operations and Maintenance — CIDR notation defines the prefix length..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Check the route tables to ensure the subnets can communicate. — Options B and D are correct. Verifying network ACLs is important because they can block traffic even if security groups allow it. Checking route tables ensures that subnets are properly connected. Option A is wrong because VPC Flow Logs are useful for analysis but not the first step. Option C is wrong because NACLs are stateless and need both inbound and outbound rules. Option E is wrong because internet gateway is not needed for internal traffic.
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.
About these practice questions
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These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. An SAP administrator is troubleshooting connectivity between an SAP application server (security group sg-12345) and an SAP HANA database server. The inbound rule on the database security group is shown in the exhibit. Which additional configuration is required for the application server to communicate with the database?
easy
A.Add an inbound rule allowing traffic from the application server's IP address.
B.Add an inbound rule to the application server's security group.
✓ C.Modify the network ACL to allow inbound traffic on port 3300.
D.No additional rule is needed; the rule allows traffic from sg-12345.
Why C: Option A is correct because the rule references the source security group, but the direction is inbound; the database needs an inbound rule allowing traffic from sg-12345. Without that, traffic is blocked. Option B is wrong because the rule already references sg-12345. Option C is wrong because NACLs are stateless and need both inbound and outbound rules, but the question is about security group. Option D is wrong because the application server needs an outbound rule, not inbound.
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Question Discussion
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