The answer is a misconfigured port number, specifically the SAP application server attempting to connect to the wrong HANA database port. This is the most likely cause of an SAP RFC connection failure because the HANA database on an EC2 instance listens on a port defined by the formula 3[instance number]13, such as 30013 for instance number 00, not the default 30015 often assumed. On the AWS Certified SAP on AWS Specialty PAS-C01 exam, this question tests your understanding of HANA port configuration within a VPC, a common trap where candidates overlook that security groups and NACLs are open but the application simply points to the wrong endpoint. The exam emphasizes that RFC connectivity depends on precise network and application-layer settings, not just firewall rules. Remember the memory tip: “3-Instance-13” – the HANA port always starts with a 3, uses the two-digit instance number, and ends with 13.
PAS-C01 Technology Practice Question
This PAS-C01 practice question tests your understanding of technology. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 notices that the SAP application server is unable to establish an RFC connection to the SAP HANA database. The database is running on an EC2 instance in the same VPC. Security groups and NACLs allow all traffic. 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 application server is configured to connect to the wrong port number.
Option B is correct because the HANA database listens on port 3[instance number]13. If the application server is configured with the default HANA port (e.g., 30015), it would fail. Option A (instance reboot) would not cause permanent failure. Option C (wrong protocol) is less likely. Option D (subnet CIDR overlap) would cause connectivity issues at a different layer.
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 VPC has overlapping CIDR blocks with the on-premises network.
Why it's wrong here
Overlapping CIDR would affect routing, not RFC port connectivity.
✗
The application server uses TCP instead of the required UDP protocol.
The HANA database instance was rebooted for maintenance.
Why it's wrong here
A reboot would cause temporary outage, but the symptom is persistent.
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 — This question tests Technology — CIDR notation defines the prefix length..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The application server is configured to connect to the wrong port number. — Option B is correct because the HANA database listens on port 3[instance number]13. If the application server is configured with the default HANA port (e.g., 30015), it would fail. Option A (instance reboot) would not cause permanent failure. Option C (wrong protocol) is less likely. Option D (subnet CIDR overlap) would cause connectivity issues at a different layer.
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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