Question 1mediummultiple choice
Full question →mediummultiple choiceObjective-mapped
A small company is deploying a public web application with a front-end server, an API server, and a database. The web server must be reachable from the internet, the API must be reachable only from the web server, and the database must never be accessible from user subnets. Which design best meets the requirement?
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.
A
Distractor review
Place all three servers on the same internal VLAN and use host firewalls only.
This simplifies administration, but it does not provide strong network segmentation or limit lateral movement effectively.
B
Best answer
Place the web server in a DMZ, the API server in an internal subnet, and the database in a separate restricted subnet.
This creates clear trust boundaries and limits exposure. Only the web server is internet-facing, the API stays internal, and the database can be isolated behind strict filtering rules.
C
Distractor review
Place the database in the DMZ so the web server can connect to it with fewer firewall rules.
This exposes the most sensitive component to unnecessary risk and expands the attack surface for direct access attempts.
D
Distractor review
Use a single NAT gateway for all servers and rely on public IP filtering at the edge.
NAT does not provide internal segmentation, so compromise of one system can still lead to broader internal access.
Common exam trap
Common exam trap: authentication is not authorization
Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.
Technical deep dive
How to think about this question
This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Authentication checks who the user is.
- Authorization controls what the user is allowed to do after login.
- Privilege levels affect access to EXEC and configuration commands.
- AAA, TACACS+ and RADIUS can separate login success from command access.
TExam Day Tips
- Do not assume successful login means full administrative access.
- Look for words such as cannot enter configuration mode, privilege level, authorization or command access.
- Separate login problems from permission problems before choosing the answer.
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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?
Authentication checks who the user is.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Place the web server in a DMZ, the API server in an internal subnet, and the database in a separate restricted subnet. — The best design is to place the internet-facing web server in a DMZ, keep the API server on an internal subnet, and isolate the database in a more restricted subnet. This supports layered filtering so each tier only talks to the next required tier. It also reduces the blast radius if the web server is compromised, because the attacker still has to cross additional controls before reaching the API or database. Why others are wrong: A leaves the tiers on the same network segment, which weakens isolation and makes lateral movement easier. C is unsafe because databases should not be exposed to public-facing zones unless there is a very unusual and heavily controlled reason. D uses NAT, but NAT is not a segmentation strategy and does not enforce internal traffic restrictions by itself.
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.
Discussion
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