The correct command is aws ec2 describe-instances with the --query for NetworkInterfaces, because it directly reveals the instance’s public IP address, attached security groups, and subnet—three critical pieces of information when troubleshooting network connectivity for SAP on EC2. Without these details, you cannot verify whether the SAP application is reachable due to a misconfigured security group rule, a missing public IP, or a subnet routing issue. On the AWS Certified SAP on AWS Specialty PAS-C01 exam, this question tests your ability to isolate network faults at the instance level rather than relying on broader network commands. A common trap is choosing describe-network-interfaces, which lacks the instance context needed to correlate the interface with the running SAP workload. Remember the memory tip: “Instance first, interface second”—always start with the instance to see what’s actually attached before digging into the interface details.
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.
Network Topology
Refer to the exhibit. An administrator runs the AWS CLI command shown and receives the output. The instance is running, but the SAP application on the instance is not accessible. Which additional AWS CLI command should the administrator run to troubleshoot the network connectivity?
Option C is correct because the describe-instances command with the query for NetworkInterfaces can provide the public IP address, security groups, and subnet information, which are crucial for network troubleshooting. Option A is wrong because describe-network-interfaces provides similar info but without instance context. Option B is wrong because describe-security-groups alone doesn't show which groups are attached. Option D is wrong because describe-subnets doesn't show instance-level network details.
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.
✗
aws ec2 describe-subnets
Why it's wrong here
This shows subnets but not instance-specific network details.
✗
aws ec2 describe-network-interfaces
Why it's wrong here
This shows network interfaces but not specifically for the instance.
✗
aws ec2 describe-security-groups
Why it's wrong here
This shows all security groups, not specifically attached to the instance.
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.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
This shows subnets but not instance-specific network details.
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: aws ec2 describe-instances --instance-ids i-0abcd1234efgh5678 --query 'Reservations[0].Instances[0].NetworkInterfaces' — Option C is correct because the describe-instances command with the query for NetworkInterfaces can provide the public IP address, security groups, and subnet information, which are crucial for network troubleshooting. Option A is wrong because describe-network-interfaces provides similar info but without instance context. Option B is wrong because describe-security-groups alone doesn't show which groups are attached. Option D is wrong because describe-subnets doesn't show instance-level network details.
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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Question Discussion
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