The correct approach is to use internal IP addresses with network ACLs allowing all traffic from the web tier subnet. This method secures inter-tier communication in a VPC by leveraging network segmentation and stateful traffic control at the subnet boundary, ensuring that only the web tier can initiate connections to the application tier while keeping all traffic within the private IP space. On the CompTIA Cloud+ CV0-004 exam, this concept tests your understanding of VPC design principles, specifically how to isolate application layers without exposing them to the internet or using complex VPNs. A common trap is choosing a public-facing load balancer or security group that allows all inbound traffic, which violates the principle of least privilege. Remember the mnemonic "I-NAC" — Internal IPs plus Network ACLs equals Controlled segmentation.
CV0-004 Security Practice Question
This CV0-004 practice question tests your understanding of security. 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 cloud architect is designing a multi-tier application. To ensure secure communication between the web tier and the application tier within the same VPC, which approach should be used?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Use internal IP addresses with network ACLs allowing all traffic from the web tier subnet.
Option C is correct because using internal IPs with network ACLs provides network segmentation and control within the VPC.
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.
✗
Use a VPN between tiers.
Why it's wrong here
VPN adds complexity and overhead for internal traffic.
✓
Use internal IP addresses with network ACLs allowing all traffic from the web tier subnet.
Why this is correct
Internal IPs and network ACLs securely isolate traffic within the VPC.
Transit gateways are for multi-VPC connectivity, not needed within a single VPC.
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 security administrator must allow nursing staff to reach a patient records server while blocking access from the guest Wi-Fi VLAN. After applying an extended ACL, traffic is still blocked from nursing workstations. The ACL was applied outbound instead of inbound on the wrong interface. Questions like this test ACL direction and placement rules.
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.
Security — This question tests Security — CIDR notation defines the prefix length..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Use internal IP addresses with network ACLs allowing all traffic from the web tier subnet. — Option C is correct because using internal IPs with network ACLs provides network segmentation and control within the VPC.
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
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Question Discussion
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