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 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?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Modify the network ACL to allow inbound traffic on port 3300.
The correct answer is C because the security group inbound rule already references the application server's security group (sg-12345), which allows traffic from any instance with that security group. However, network ACLs (NACLs) are stateless and must allow both inbound and outbound traffic separately. If the NACL does not have an inbound rule allowing traffic on port 3300 (the default HANA database port), the traffic will be blocked at the subnet level despite the security group rule. Modifying the NACL to allow inbound traffic on port 3300 is required. Option A is incorrect because the security group rule already allows traffic from the application server's IP via the security group reference. Option B is incorrect because the application server's security group only controls outbound traffic to the database; the inbound rule on the database SG is already sufficient. Option D is incorrect because the NACL must be configured properly; the security group rule alone does not guarantee connectivity if the NACL blocks the 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.
✗
Add an inbound rule allowing traffic from the application server's IP address.
Why it's wrong here
The security group reference is sufficient.
✗
Add an inbound rule to the application server's security group.
Why it's wrong here
The application server needs outbound rule, not inbound.
✓
Modify the network ACL to allow inbound traffic on port 3300.
Why this is correct
NACLs are stateless and must allow both inbound and outbound traffic.
No additional rule is needed; the rule allows traffic from sg-12345.
Why it's wrong here
The rule is inbound, so it allows traffic from sg-12345 to the database.
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.
Visual reference
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: Modify the network ACL to allow inbound traffic on port 3300. — The correct answer is C because the security group inbound rule already references the application server's security group (sg-12345), which allows traffic from any instance with that security group. However, network ACLs (NACLs) are stateless and must allow both inbound and outbound traffic separately. If the NACL does not have an inbound rule allowing traffic on port 3300 (the default HANA database port), the traffic will be blocked at the subnet level despite the security group rule. Modifying the NACL to allow inbound traffic on port 3300 is required. Option A is incorrect because the security group rule already allows traffic from the application server's IP via the security group reference. Option B is incorrect because the application server's security group only controls outbound traffic to the database; the inbound rule on the database SG is already sufficient. Option D is incorrect because the NACL must be configured properly; the security group rule alone does not guarantee connectivity if the NACL blocks the 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.
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