The answer is NAT, or Network Address Translation. This configuration is correct because it allows the virtual machine to reach the internet for updates by sharing the host’s IP address, while simultaneously isolating the VM from the corporate network—the host acts as a gateway, so the VM never receives its own routable IP on the local LAN. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of virtual networking modes and their security implications; a common trap is choosing Bridged mode, which would assign the VM a separate IP on the corporate network and break isolation. Remember that NAT provides a private, one-way street to the internet, whereas Bridged puts the VM directly on the same road as every other corporate device. A helpful memory tip: “NAT hides the VM behind the host, like a guest using your Wi-Fi without joining your home network.”
220-1102 Virtualization and Cloud Technologies Practice Question
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of virtualization and cloud technologies. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 tasked with deploying a virtual machine for a new employee. The VM will run a Linux distribution and needs to be isolated from the corporate network but still have internet access for updates. Which network configuration should the technician choose for the VM?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
NAT (Network Address Translation)
NAT (Network Address Translation) allows the VM to access the internet using the host's IP address while keeping it separate from the host's local network. Bridged mode would give the VM its own IP on the corporate network, violating isolation. Host-only mode blocks internet access. Internal network would also block internet access.
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.
✗
Bridged networking
Why it's wrong here
Bridged mode connects the VM directly to the physical network, exposing it to the corporate network.
✓
NAT (Network Address Translation)
Why this is correct
NAT provides internet access through the host while keeping the VM isolated from the corporate network.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
✗
Host-only networking
Why it's wrong here
Host-only networking only allows communication between the host and VM, not internet access.
✗
Internal networking
Why it's wrong here
Internal networking only allows VMs on the same host to communicate, with no internet access.
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 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.
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 220-1202 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Virtualization and Cloud Technologies — This question tests Virtualization and Cloud Technologies — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: NAT (Network Address Translation) — NAT (Network Address Translation) allows the VM to access the internet using the host's IP address while keeping it separate from the host's local network. Bridged mode would give the VM its own IP on the corporate network, violating isolation. Host-only mode blocks internet access. Internal network would also block internet access.
What should I do if I get this 220-1202 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 220-1202 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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Question Discussion
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