- A
Create a rule with a host header condition matching 'api.example.com' and forward to target group A, and a default rule forward to target group B.
Why wrong: This uses host header, not path; and wildcards are not allowed in host header conditions.
- B
Create one rule with a condition that matches /api/* and forward to target group A, and another condition in the same rule for /* to forward to target group B.
Why wrong: A rule can only have one target group per action; multiple conditions in a rule are ANDed.
- C
Create a rule with path pattern /api/* and forward to target group A with priority 10, and a default rule with path pattern /* and forward to target group B with priority 20.
This ensures /api/* is matched first, and /* acts as a catch-all.
- D
Create two rules with path patterns /api/* and /*, and set priority based on the pattern length.
Why wrong: Priority is explicitly set, not automatic; both rules must have explicit priority numbers.
Quick Answer
The correct answer is to create a rule with path pattern /api/* and forward to target group A with priority 10, and a default rule with path pattern /* and forward to target group B with priority 20. This works because ALB path-based routing to multiple target groups relies on listener rule priority—rules are evaluated in ascending numeric order, so the more specific /api/* rule must have a lower priority number to match first, while the catch-all /* rule handles all remaining traffic. On the AWS Certified SysOps Administrator Associate SOA-C02 exam, this scenario tests your understanding that listener rules are not automatically ordered by pattern specificity; you must explicitly set priorities to avoid misrouting. A common trap is assuming wildcards work in condition keys (they don’t) or that a single rule can split traffic by path—it cannot. Memory tip: think “lowest number wins first,” so give your specific path a low priority and your catch-all a higher one.
SOA-C02 Networking and Content Delivery Practice Question
This SOA-C02 practice question tests your understanding of networking and content delivery. 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.
A SysOps administrator is configuring an Application Load Balancer to route traffic to multiple target groups based on the URL path. The ALB is not routing traffic correctly. Which listener rule configuration should be used to route requests with path /api/* to target group A and all other requests to target group B?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Create a rule with path pattern /api/* and forward to target group A with priority 10, and a default rule with path pattern /* and forward to target group B with priority 20.
Option C is correct because the ALB listener rules are evaluated in order; the first rule with a path pattern /api/* will match, and then a default rule (catch-all) is needed for all other paths. Option A is incorrect because order is not automatically prioritized by pattern. Option B is incorrect because a single rule cannot have two conditions with different paths to different target groups. Option D is incorrect because wildcards are not allowed in condition keys.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Create a rule with a host header condition matching 'api.example.com' and forward to target group A, and a default rule forward to target group B.
Why it's wrong here
This uses host header, not path; and wildcards are not allowed in host header conditions.
- ✗
Create one rule with a condition that matches /api/* and forward to target group A, and another condition in the same rule for /* to forward to target group B.
Why it's wrong here
A rule can only have one target group per action; multiple conditions in a rule are ANDed.
- ✓
Create a rule with path pattern /api/* and forward to target group A with priority 10, and a default rule with path pattern /* and forward to target group B with priority 20.
Why this is correct
This ensures /api/* is matched first, and /* acts as a catch-all.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
- ✗
Create two rules with path patterns /api/* and /*, and set priority based on the pattern length.
Why it's wrong here
Priority is explicitly set, not automatic; both rules must have explicit priority numbers.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
- PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
- Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
- NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.
TExam Day Tips
- Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
- Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
- Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A cloud solutions architect for a retail company is evaluating services for a new workload. The correct answer here reflects best practice for the specific scenario described — not a general cloud recommendation. NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated. Cloud exam questions reward reading the constraint carefully: the same technology can be right or wrong depending on the use case.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related SOA-C02 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SOA-C02 question test?
Networking and Content Delivery — This question tests Networking and Content Delivery — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Create a rule with path pattern /api/* and forward to target group A with priority 10, and a default rule with path pattern /* and forward to target group B with priority 20. — Option C is correct because the ALB listener rules are evaluated in order; the first rule with a path pattern /api/* will match, and then a default rule (catch-all) is needed for all other paths. Option A is incorrect because order is not automatically prioritized by pattern. Option B is incorrect because a single rule cannot have two conditions with different paths to different target groups. Option D is incorrect because wildcards are not allowed in condition keys.
What should I do if I get this SOA-C02 question wrong?
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related SOA-C02 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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Last reviewed: Jun 20, 2026
This SOA-C02 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Amazon Web Services certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the SOA-C02 exam.
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