The answer is that the route table associated with the application subnet lacks a route to the on-premises CIDR via the Direct Connect virtual gateway. This is correct because even though the VPC’s main route table may have the on-premises route, each subnet must have its own associated route table with that specific entry; without it, traffic from the application servers to the on-premises file server has no path through the Direct Connect connection. On the AWS Certified SAP on AWS Specialty PAS-C01 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of subnet-level routing isolation within a VPC—a common trap is assuming that a route in the main route table applies to all subnets automatically. Remember, subnets are independent: if a subnet’s route table does not explicitly point the on-premises CIDR to the virtual gateway, traffic will fail even if security groups and NACLs are permissive. A quick memory tip: “Subnets need their own signposts”—each subnet’s route table must independently direct traffic to the Direct Connect gateway for on-premises connectivity.
PAS-C01 Technology Practice Question
This PAS-C01 practice question tests your understanding of technology. 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 uses AWS Direct Connect to connect to on-premises systems. The SAP application servers are in a private subnet, and the HANA database is in a separate private subnet. Both subnets are in the same VPC. The application servers can connect to the HANA database, but the application servers cannot connect to an on-premises file server via the Direct Connect. The on-premises network team confirms that the file server is reachable from other on-premises resources. The VPC route tables have a route for the on-premises CIDR pointing to the Direct Connect virtual gateway. The security groups allow all outbound traffic. What is the MOST likely cause of the issue?
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 the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The route table associated with the application subnet does not have a route to the on-premises CIDR via the virtual gateway.
Option B is correct because the route table for the application subnet must have a route to the on-premises CIDR via the virtual gateway. Option A (NACL) is unlikely if outbound is allowed. Option C (Direct Connect status) is not indicated. Option D (VPN) is not used.
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 network ACL for the application subnet is blocking outbound traffic to the on-premises CIDR.
Why it's wrong here
NACLs are stateless; if outbound is allowed, it should work.
✗
The on-premises file server is not reachable because it requires VPN instead of Direct Connect.
Why it's wrong here
Direct Connect is sufficient if properly configured.
✗
The Direct Connect virtual interface is in a 'down' state.
Why it's wrong here
If it were down, other on-premises resources would also be unreachable.
✓
The route table associated with the application subnet does not have a route to the on-premises CIDR via the virtual gateway.
Why this is correct
Missing route prevents traffic from reaching Direct Connect.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
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: The route table associated with the application subnet does not have a route to the on-premises CIDR via the virtual gateway. — Option B is correct because the route table for the application subnet must have a route to the on-premises CIDR via the virtual gateway. Option A (NACL) is unlikely if outbound is allowed. Option C (Direct Connect status) is not indicated. Option D (VPN) is not used.
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.
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