Quick Answer
The answer is a NAT Gateway. This is the correct choice because a NAT Gateway enables EC2 instances in a private subnet to initiate outbound traffic to the internet for tasks like downloading patches, while securely blocking any unsolicited inbound connections from the internet. For the AWS Certified SysOps Administrator Associate SOA-C02 exam, this question tests your understanding of network connectivity patterns—specifically, how to provide private subnet internet access without exposing resources to direct inbound traffic. A common trap is confusing a NAT Gateway with an Internet Gateway, but remember that an Internet Gateway is only attached to public subnets and allows bidirectional traffic, whereas a NAT Gateway is deployed in a public subnet to serve private subnets. Another pitfall is selecting VPC Peering or VPN, which connect VPCs or on-premises networks, not the internet. Memory tip: think of NAT as "Not Allowing Traffic in"—it only lets instances reach out, keeping them safe from external attacks.
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 allow an EC2 instance in a private subnet to download patches from the internet. Which AWS service should be used to achieve this securely?
Internet Gateway (IGW)
Why wrong: An IGW is used for public subnets, not private subnets.
NAT Gateway
A NAT Gateway enables outbound internet access for private subnet instances while blocking inbound connections.
AWS VPN
Why wrong: VPN connects to on-premises networks, not the internet.
VPC Peering
Why wrong: VPC Peering connects two VPCs, not to the internet.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
NAT Gateway
Option B is correct because a NAT Gateway allows instances in private subnets to initiate outbound traffic to the internet, while preventing inbound traffic from the internet. Option A is wrong because an Internet Gateway is for public subnets. Option C is wrong because a VPC Peering connection connects VPCs, not to the internet. Option D is wrong because a VPN connection connects to on-premises networks, not the internet.
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
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Internet Gateway (IGW)
Why it's wrong here
An IGW is used for public subnets, not private subnets.
NAT Gateway
AWS VPN
Why it's wrong here
VPN connects to on-premises networks, not the internet.
VPC Peering
Why it's wrong here
VPC Peering connects two VPCs, not to the internet.
Common exam traps
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
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.
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
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
Review block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related SOA-C02 subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
Networking and Content Delivery — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Networking and Content Delivery — This question tests Networking and Content Delivery — CIDR notation defines the prefix length..
The correct answer is: NAT Gateway — Option B is correct because a NAT Gateway allows instances in private subnets to initiate outbound traffic to the internet, while preventing inbound traffic from the internet. Option A is wrong because an Internet Gateway is for public subnets. Option C is wrong because a VPC Peering connection connects VPCs, not to the internet. Option D is wrong because a VPN connection connects to on-premises networks, not the internet.
Review block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related SOA-C02 subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
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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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