- A
VPC peering connection
Why wrong: If both instances are in the same VPC, peering is not needed.
- B
Network ACLs for the database subnet
Network ACLs are stateless firewalls; misconfigured rules can block traffic.
- C
Internet Gateway
Why wrong: Internal communication does not require an Internet Gateway.
- D
Security group rules for the database instance
Security groups act as a virtual firewall; incorrect rules can block traffic.
- E
Route tables for the application server subnet
Route tables must have a route to the database subnet.
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 system administrator is troubleshooting an issue where SAP users cannot log in to the SAP system. The administrator checks the SAP application server logs and finds that the connection to the SAP HANA database is failing with 'connection refused'. Which THREE AWS resources should be investigated to resolve the issue?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Network ACLs for the database subnet
Options B, C, and D are correct. The security group rules for the database instance must allow traffic from the application server; the network ACLs must allow inbound/outbound traffic; and the route table must have a route to the database subnet. Option A is wrong because the Internet Gateway is not needed for internal communication between subnets. Option E is wrong because the VPC peering connection is not necessarily involved unless they are in different VPCs.
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.
- ✗
VPC peering connection
Why it's wrong here
If both instances are in the same VPC, peering is not needed.
- ✓
Network ACLs for the database subnet
Why this is correct
Network ACLs are stateless firewalls; misconfigured rules can block traffic.
Related concept
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
- ✗
Internet Gateway
Why it's wrong here
Internal communication does not require an Internet Gateway.
- ✓
Security group rules for the database instance
- ✓
Route tables for the application server subnet
Why this is correct
Route tables must have a route to the database subnet.
Related concept
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
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 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.
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Operations and Maintenance — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this PAS-C01 question test?
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: Network ACLs for the database subnet — Options B, C, and D are correct. The security group rules for the database instance must allow traffic from the application server; the network ACLs must allow inbound/outbound traffic; and the route table must have a route to the database subnet. Option A is wrong because the Internet Gateway is not needed for internal communication between subnets. Option E is wrong because the VPC peering connection is not necessarily involved unless they are in different VPCs.
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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Last reviewed: Jun 20, 2026
This PAS-C01 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 PAS-C01 exam.
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