A company needs a public website that anyone on the internet can reach, but the application and database servers must stay off the internet. Where should the web server be placed?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Good practice is not just finding the correct option. The wrong answers often show the exact trap the exam wants you to fall into.
Distractor review
On the internal user network with the database server.
This places a public service inside the trusted internal network, which increases exposure.
Best answer
In a DMZ separated from the internal application and database networks.
A DMZ is the best choice because it allows public access to the web server while keeping the application and database tiers behind additional security controls. If the web server is compromised, the attacker still has to cross another boundary to reach internal systems. This layered zoning is a standard architecture pattern for public-facing services and helps contain risk.
Distractor review
On the same subnet as the firewall management interface.
Management interfaces should be isolated, not combined with public-facing web workloads.
Distractor review
Directly on the database subnet so performance is faster.
Putting the web server beside the database increases risk and exposes the database path unnecessarily.
Common exam trap
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.
Technical deep dive
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.
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More questions from this exam
Keep practising from the same exam bank, or move into a focused topic page if this question exposed a weak area.
Question 1
A laptop is suspected of being used in a malware incident. It is still powered on and connected to Wi-Fi. What should the responder do before shutting it down?
Question 2
An employee reports a ransomware note on a file server. The server is still powered on, shares are still being accessed, and management wants service restored as quickly as possible. What should the incident response team do first?
Question 3
An employee reports a ransomware note on a finance laptop. The laptop is still powered on, connected to Wi-Fi, and the user says they were just working in a spreadsheet. Management wants the fastest safe response that also preserves evidence. What should the responder do first?
Question 4
You are handed a company laptop suspected in an insider theft case. Legal says the evidence may be needed in court. Which action best preserves admissibility?
Question 5
A developer wants to reduce the risk of SQL injection in a new customer search form. Which two changes are the best mitigations? Select two.
Question 6
A branch office uses a flat LAN, and a compromise on one user workstation could spread quickly to finance systems. Management wants finance workstations isolated from general users, but finance staff still need access to a central finance application and network printer. What is the best design change?
FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SY0-701 question test?
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: In a DMZ separated from the internal application and database networks. — A DMZ is the best placement for a public web server because it creates a buffer zone between the internet and internal systems. The web tier can accept external traffic, while the application and database tiers stay behind additional internal protections. This design follows zoning principles and helps limit the damage if the public server is attacked or compromised. Why others are wrong: An internal subnet is too trusted for a public-facing service. The firewall management subnet should stay reserved for administration and not host public workloads. Placing the web and database servers together weakens isolation and makes a compromise much more damaging.
What should I do if I get this SY0-701 question wrong?
Then try more questions from the same exam bank and focus on understanding why the wrong options are tempting.
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