The answer is that the security group for the RDS instance does not allow inbound traffic on the HANA internal communication port, such as 3xx18. While the standard database port (e.g., 3xx17) is open, SAP HANA on RDS requires a second port for internal inter-service communication and replication; without it, the application server can initiate a connection but fails during the handshake, causing intermittent timeouts. On the AWS Certified SAP on AWS Specialty PAS-C01 exam, this question tests your understanding that RDS for HANA is not a single-port service—a common trap is focusing only on the primary database port while overlooking the internal port, which is often misconfigured in security groups. When fixing SAP RDS HANA connection timeout security group port issues, always verify both the database port and the internal communication port are allowed. Memory tip: think of it as a two-key lock—you need both the front door (3xx17) and the service door (3xx18) open for a stable connection.
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 Basis administrator notices that the SAP application server logs show repeated connection timeouts to the database. The database is running on an RDS for SAP HANA instance. The application server and database are in the same VPC but different subnets. The security groups allow inbound traffic from the application server's security group on port 3xx17. Network ACLs allow both inbound and outbound traffic on ephemeral ports. Despite this, connections fail intermittently. 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 the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The security group for the RDS instance does not allow inbound traffic on the HANA internal communication port (e.g., 3xx18).
Option A is correct because RDS for SAP HANA uses a database port (e.g., 3xx17) but also requires an additional port for internal services. If the security group does not allow traffic on that additional port, connections may fail. Option B is incorrect because NACLs are stateless but properly configured. Option C is incorrect because RDS does not use DNS-based routing issues typically. Option D is incorrect because the issue is not about routing tables if within same VPC.
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 RDS instance's DNS name resolves to a different IP address intermittently.
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.
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: The security group for the RDS instance does not allow inbound traffic on the HANA internal communication port (e.g., 3xx18). — Option A is correct because RDS for SAP HANA uses a database port (e.g., 3xx17) but also requires an additional port for internal services. If the security group does not allow traffic on that additional port, connections may fail. Option B is incorrect because NACLs are stateless but properly configured. Option C is incorrect because RDS does not use DNS-based routing issues typically. Option D is incorrect because the issue is not about routing tables if within same VPC.
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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Question Discussion
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