The answer is an application gateway. This is the correct choice because an application gateway, often implemented as a reverse proxy, operates at Layer 7 of the OSI model, allowing it to inspect, authenticate, and forward traffic for a single, specific application without exposing the broader internal network. Unlike a VPN, which creates a full network tunnel granting access to all resources, an application gateway enforces granular policies for specific app access, making it ideal for the scenario where remote employees need only one internal tool. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this question tests your understanding of remote access security versus convenience; a common trap is choosing a VPN because it is more familiar, but the key is recognizing that a VPN provides full network access, not application-specific control. Remember the memory tip: “VPN is a door to the whole house; an application gateway is a window to just one room.”
220-1102 Remote Access Technologies Practice Question
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of remote access technologies. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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 small business owner wants to allow their remote employees to securely access a specific internal application without giving them full network access. Which remote access technology should the technician recommend?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Application gateway
An application gateway (reverse proxy) is the correct choice because it provides granular, application-layer access control, allowing remote employees to reach a specific internal application without granting them full network-level access. Unlike VPNs that create a tunnel to the entire network, an application gateway authenticates and proxies only the designated application traffic, often using protocols like HTTPS and enforcing policies at Layer 7.
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.
✗
Site-to-site VPN
Why it's wrong here
Site-to-site VPNs connect entire networks, not individual users to a single application.
✗
Remote Desktop Services
Why it's wrong here
RDS provides full desktop access, not just a single application, and may require more infrastructure.
✓
Application gateway
Why this is correct
An application gateway (like a reverse proxy) allows secure access to specific applications without granting full network access.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
SSH tunneling
Why it's wrong here
SSH tunneling can forward a single port, but it is less user-friendly and not typically used for web-based applications.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often confuse 'remote access' with 'full network connectivity' and choose a VPN (site-to-site or client-based) because they think encryption alone solves the access control problem, overlooking the need for application-specific, least-privilege access.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
An application gateway (often implemented as a reverse proxy like NGINX or HAProxy) terminates the client connection at Layer 7, inspects the HTTP/HTTPS headers, and forwards only authorized requests to the internal application server. This allows the gateway to enforce authentication (e.g., OAuth, SAML), rate limiting, and URL-level policies without exposing the internal network IP addresses or other services. In real-world scenarios, this is commonly used for SaaS-like access to internal tools, such as a CRM or ticketing system, where the gateway can also offload TLS termination and provide centralized logging.
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.
TExam Day Tips
→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 small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 220-1202 question in full detail.
Remote Access Technologies — This question tests Remote Access Technologies — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Application gateway — An application gateway (reverse proxy) is the correct choice because it provides granular, application-layer access control, allowing remote employees to reach a specific internal application without granting them full network-level access. Unlike VPNs that create a tunnel to the entire network, an application gateway authenticates and proxies only the designated application traffic, often using protocols like HTTPS and enforcing policies at Layer 7.
What should I do if I get this 220-1202 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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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