Quick Answer
The correct metric is BytesOutToSource from the AWS/VPC namespace. This metric specifically tracks the amount of data transferred out of an internet gateway to an external destination, making it the precise choice for monitoring internet gateway data transfer. On the AWS Certified SysOps Administrator Associate SOA-C02 exam, this question tests your understanding of VPC-specific CloudWatch metrics versus EC2-level metrics, a common trap where candidates mistakenly select NetworkIn or NetworkPackets, which only apply to EC2 instances, not gateways. Remember that internet gateway metrics live under the AWS/VPC namespace, not EC2, and BytesOutToSource measures outbound traffic from the gateway to the source, while its counterpart BytesInFromSource tracks inbound. A helpful memory tip: think “Gateway goes out to the source” to recall BytesOutToSource for internet gateway data transfer monitoring.
This SOA-C02 practice question tests your understanding of networking and content delivery. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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 needs to monitor the amount of data transferred through a VPC’s internet gateway. Which Amazon CloudWatch metric should be used?
InternetGatewayBytes (AWS/VPC namespace)
Why wrong: No such metric exists.
NetworkPackets (AWS/EC2 namespace)
Why wrong: This is an EC2 instance metric.
NetworkIn (AWS/EC2 namespace)
Why wrong: This is an EC2 instance metric.
BytesOutToSource (AWS/VPC namespace)
This metric is available for internet gateways.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
BytesOutToSource (AWS/VPC namespace)
Option A is correct because the AWS/VPC namespace provides metrics for internet gateways, including BytesOutToSource. Option B is wrong because NetworkIn is an EC2 metric. Option C is wrong because NetworkPackets is an EC2 metric. Option D is wrong because there is no such metric.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
InternetGatewayBytes (AWS/VPC namespace)
Why it's wrong here
No such metric exists.
NetworkPackets (AWS/EC2 namespace)
Why it's wrong here
This is an EC2 instance metric.
NetworkIn (AWS/EC2 namespace)
Why it's wrong here
This is an EC2 instance metric.
BytesOutToSource (AWS/VPC namespace)
Why this is correct
This metric is available for internet gateways.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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
Identify which SOA-C02 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Networking and Content Delivery — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Networking and Content Delivery — This question tests Networking and Content Delivery — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: BytesOutToSource (AWS/VPC namespace) — Option A is correct because the AWS/VPC namespace provides metrics for internet gateways, including BytesOutToSource. Option B is wrong because NetworkIn is an EC2 metric. Option C is wrong because NetworkPackets is an EC2 metric. Option D is wrong because there is no such metric.
Identify which SOA-C02 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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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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