hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
CAS-004 Practice Question: Designing a hybrid cloud architecture with AWS…
A company is designing a hybrid cloud architecture with AWS and an on-premises data center. They need to ensure that all data transmitted between environments is encrypted and that the connection is resilient. Which design should the architect choose?
⚠ Common exam trap
The CAS-004 exam often tests the misconception that a single connection (like Direct Connect or MPLS) is sufficient if it has encryption, but they ignore the resilience requirement; the trap here is that candidates choose a single connection option (A or B) thinking encryption alone satisfies the question, missing the explicit need for redundancy.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Establish multiple redundant IPsec VPN tunnels to the VPC
Multiple redundant IPsec VPN tunnels provide both encryption and resilience. IPsec encrypts all traffic between the on-premises data center and AWS VPC, and having multiple tunnels (e.g., over the internet or different Direct Connect virtual interfaces) ensures high availability if one tunnel fails. This meets the requirements for encrypted data transmission and resilient connectivity.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Deploy a single MPLS connection with network-based encryption
Why it's wrong here
Single connection lacks redundancy, and MPLS encryption is not standard.
- ✗
Set up a single AWS Direct Connect connection and rely on the provider's encryption
Why it's wrong here
Direct Connect does not automatically encrypt data; additional encryption is needed and single connection lacks resilience.
- ✓
Establish multiple redundant IPsec VPN tunnels to the VPC
Why this is correct
Redundant IPsec tunnels provide both encryption and resilience.
- ✗
Use an SSL VPN tunnel from the on-premises firewall to the VPC
Why it's wrong here
SSL VPN is often client-based and may not support site-to-site; also typically single tunnel.
Quick reference
VPN Protocol Comparison
| Protocol | Port | Encryption | Authentication | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IKEv2 / IPsec | UDP 500 / 4500 | AES-256 | Certificates / PSK | Site-to-site & remote access |
| SSL / TLS VPN | TCP 443 | TLS 1.3 | Certificates / MFA | Clientless remote access |
| L2TP / IPsec | UDP 1701 | AES (IPsec) | PSK / Certificates | Legacy remote access |
| WireGuard | UDP 51820 | ChaCha20 | Public keys | Modern high-performance VPN |
| PPTP | TCP 1723 | MPPE (weak) | MS-CHAPv2 | Legacy — avoid in production |
PPTP is considered insecure. IKEv2/IPsec and SSL VPN are the current recommended options.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This CAS-005 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA 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 CAS-005 exam.