- A
The EBS-optimization feature was disabled on the database instance.
Why wrong: EBS optimization affects storage performance, not network throughput between instances.
- B
The instances were moved out of a cluster placement group, reducing network throughput.
Cluster placement groups provide low-latency, high-throughput networking; leaving the placement group can significantly reduce network performance.
- C
The security group rules were modified during patching, restricting traffic.
Why wrong: Modified security groups would block or allow traffic, not cause throughput degradation.
- D
The route tables were updated, causing traffic to traverse a NAT gateway.
Why wrong: Route changes would likely break connectivity entirely or add latency, not just reduce throughput.
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.
An SAP system running on AWS experiences a significant performance degradation after a patching activity. The SAP application (PAS) and database (HANA) run on separate EC2 instances. The network throughput between the two instances has dropped. 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.
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
The instances were moved out of a cluster placement group, reducing network throughput.
Option C is correct because if the instances were in the same placement group before patching and after patching they are not, or if the patching changed instance types that affect network performance, the throughput could drop. Option A (Security group rules) would block traffic, not degrade performance. Option B (Subnet routing) would cause connectivity loss, not just degradation. Option D (IOPS limits) affect disk, not network.
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.
- ✗
The EBS-optimization feature was disabled on the database instance.
Why it's wrong here
EBS optimization affects storage performance, not network throughput between instances.
- ✓
The instances were moved out of a cluster placement group, reducing network throughput.
Why this is correct
Cluster placement groups provide low-latency, high-throughput networking; leaving the placement group can significantly reduce network performance.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
- ✗
The security group rules were modified during patching, restricting traffic.
Why it's wrong here
Modified security groups would block or allow traffic, not cause throughput degradation.
- ✗
The route tables were updated, causing traffic to traverse a NAT gateway.
Why it's wrong here
Route changes would likely break connectivity entirely or add latency, not just reduce throughput.
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.
- →
Technology — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
Technology practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
- →
All PAS-C01 questions
1,733 questions across all exam domains
- →
AWS Certified SAP on AWS Specialty PAS-C01 study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
- →
PAS-C01 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Related PAS-C01 practice-question pages
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Design of SAP Workloads on AWS practice questions
Practise PAS-C01 questions linked to Design of SAP Workloads on AWS.
Technology practice questions
Practise PAS-C01 questions linked to Technology.
Migration practice questions
Practise PAS-C01 questions linked to Migration.
Operations and Maintenance practice questions
Practise PAS-C01 questions linked to Operations and Maintenance.
PAS-C01 fundamentals practice questions
Practise PAS-C01 questions linked to PAS-C01 fundamentals.
PAS-C01 scenario practice questions
Practise PAS-C01 questions linked to PAS-C01 scenario.
PAS-C01 troubleshooting practice questions
Practise PAS-C01 questions linked to PAS-C01 troubleshooting.
Practice this exam
Start a free PAS-C01 practice session
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this PAS-C01 question test?
Technology — This question tests Technology — CIDR notation defines the prefix length..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The instances were moved out of a cluster placement group, reducing network throughput. — Option C is correct because if the instances were in the same placement group before patching and after patching they are not, or if the patching changed instance types that affect network performance, the throughput could drop. Option A (Security group rules) would block traffic, not degrade performance. Option B (Subnet routing) would cause connectivity loss, not just degradation. Option D (IOPS limits) affect disk, not network.
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.
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?
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Keep practising
More PAS-C01 practice questions
- A company is using AWS Systems Manager Patch Manager to patch a fleet of EC2 instances. The instances are in a patch gro…
- A company is migrating a legacy on-premises application to AWS. The application uses a MySQL database with a complex sto…
- A company manages a multi-account AWS environment using AWS Organizations. The operations team needs to ensure that all…
- A company is running SAP HANA on an r5.8xlarge instance. They want to scale up to meet increased memory requirements. Wh…
- Which TWO of the following are best practices for securing SAP workloads on AWS?
- Which THREE of the following are valid considerations when designing an SAP HANA backup strategy on AWS?
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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.