The correct choice is a dedicated private connection such as AWS Direct Connect, because the requirement explicitly states that traffic must not traverse the public internet. While a VPN tunnel does provide encryption, it still routes data over the public internet, which violates the condition of a fully private path. A dedicated private connection, like AWS Direct Connect or Azure ExpressRoute, establishes a direct, physical link between your on-premises network and the cloud provider’s infrastructure, ensuring all traffic stays off the public internet while remaining encrypted. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this question tests your understanding of hybrid cloud connectivity options, often appearing as a trap where students mistakenly choose a VPN. The key distinction is that VPNs encrypt over the internet, but private connections bypass it entirely. Remember: if the scenario says “no public internet,” think “direct private link”—a handy mnemonic is “Direct = No Internet.”
220-1202 Virtualization and Cloud Technologies Practice Question
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of virtualization and cloud technologies. 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 technician is configuring a hybrid cloud environment where an on-premises application needs to securely access a database hosted in a public cloud. The company requires that all traffic between the two environments be encrypted and not traverse the public internet. Which of the following should the technician implement?
Why wrong: A site-to-site VPN encrypts traffic but still traverses the public internet, violating the requirement to avoid the public internet.
B
Use a dedicated private connection such as AWS Direct Connect
A dedicated private connection provides a direct, private link between on-premises and the cloud, bypassing the public internet and ensuring encryption.
C
Set up a remote desktop gateway
Why wrong: A remote desktop gateway is for accessing desktops, not for secure database connectivity between environments.
D
Deploy a cloud-based load balancer
Why wrong: A load balancer distributes traffic but does not provide a private encrypted link between on-premises and the cloud.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Use a dedicated private connection such as AWS Direct Connect
A VPN tunnel creates an encrypted connection over the internet, but to avoid the public internet entirely, a dedicated private connection like AWS Direct Connect or Azure ExpressRoute is needed. However, the question specifies 'not traverse the public internet', so a VPN over the internet would not qualify. The correct answer is a dedicated private connection, which is a service offered by cloud providers. This tests knowledge of hybrid cloud connectivity options.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Configure a site-to-site VPN over the internet
Why it's wrong here
A site-to-site VPN encrypts traffic but still traverses the public internet, violating the requirement to avoid the public internet.
✓
Use a dedicated private connection such as AWS Direct Connect
Why this is correct
A dedicated private connection provides a direct, private link between on-premises and the cloud, bypassing the public internet and ensuring encryption.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Set up a remote desktop gateway
Why it's wrong here
A remote desktop gateway is for accessing desktops, not for secure database connectivity between environments.
✗
Deploy a cloud-based load balancer
Why it's wrong here
A load balancer distributes traffic but does not provide a private encrypted link between on-premises and the cloud.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
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
How to think about this question
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.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the 220-1202 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 220-1202 question in full detail.
Identify which 220-1202 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.
Virtualization and Cloud Technologies — This question tests Virtualization and Cloud Technologies — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Use a dedicated private connection such as AWS Direct Connect — A VPN tunnel creates an encrypted connection over the internet, but to avoid the public internet entirely, a dedicated private connection like AWS Direct Connect or Azure ExpressRoute is needed. However, the question specifies 'not traverse the public internet', so a VPN over the internet would not qualify. The correct answer is a dedicated private connection, which is a service offered by cloud providers. This tests knowledge of hybrid cloud connectivity options.
What should I do if I get this 220-1202 question wrong?
Identify which 220-1202 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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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