- A
Public subnet for load balancer, private subnet for web servers and database together
Why wrong: Mixing web servers and database in the same subnet reduces security isolation.
- B
Public subnet for load balancer, private subnet for web servers, separate private subnet for database
This three-tier architecture follows best practices for security and isolation.
- C
All resources in public subnets with security groups restricting access
Why wrong: Placing all resources in public subnets exposes them unnecessarily.
- D
All resources in private subnets with a VPN connection
Why wrong: A public load balancer cannot be in a private subnet if it needs to be internet-facing.
Question 314 of 997
CV0-004 Cloud Architecture and Design Practice Question
This CV0-004 practice question tests your understanding of cloud architecture and design. 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 company is designing a VPC in AWS. They need to host a web application with a public-facing load balancer, web servers in private subnets, and a database in a separate private subnet. Which network architecture is most secure and aligns with best practices?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"best"Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
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
✓
Public subnet for load balancer, private subnet for web servers, separate private subnet for database
A three-tier architecture with a public subnet for the load balancer, private subnets for web servers, and a separate private subnet for the database provides security and isolation.
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
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Public subnet for load balancer, private subnet for web servers and database together
Why it's wrong here
Mixing web servers and database in the same subnet reduces security isolation.
- ✓
Public subnet for load balancer, private subnet for web servers, separate private subnet for database
Why this is correct
This three-tier architecture follows best practices for security and isolation.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
- ✗
All resources in public subnets with security groups restricting access
Why it's wrong here
Placing all resources in public subnets exposes them unnecessarily.
- ✗
All resources in private subnets with a VPN connection
Why it's wrong here
A public load balancer cannot be in a private subnet if it needs to be internet-facing.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: usable hosts are not the same as total addresses
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
How to think about this question
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.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
- Block size helps identify subnet boundaries.
- Network and broadcast addresses are not usable hosts in normal IPv4 subnets.
- The required host count determines the smallest suitable subnet.
TExam Day Tips
- Write the block size before choosing the subnet.
- Check whether the question asks for hosts, subnets or a specific address range.
- Do not confuse /24, /25, /26 and /27 host counts.
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
How this comes up in practice
A network engineer segments a warehouse floor into three subnets: 20 scanners, 5 printers, and 2 management hosts. Picking the wrong mask wastes addresses or leaves too few usable hosts. Exam questions test whether you can apply CIDR notation, calculate block size, and identify the correct usable-host range for a given prefix.
Visual reference
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related CV0-004 subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this CV0-004 question test?
Cloud Architecture and Design — This question tests Cloud Architecture and Design — CIDR notation defines the prefix length..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Public subnet for load balancer, private subnet for web servers, separate private subnet for database — A three-tier architecture with a public subnet for the load balancer, private subnets for web servers, and a separate private subnet for the database provides security and isolation.
What should I do if I get this CV0-004 question wrong?
Review block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related CV0-004 subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "best". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
What is the key concept behind this question?
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
This CV0-004 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 CV0-004 exam.
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