- A
On the internal user network with the database server.
Why wrong: This places a public service inside the trusted internal network, which increases exposure.
- B
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.
- C
On the same subnet as the firewall management interface.
Why wrong: Management interfaces should be isolated, not combined with public-facing web workloads.
- D
Directly on the database subnet so performance is faster.
Why wrong: Putting the web server beside the database increases risk and exposes the database path unnecessarily.
Quick Answer
The correct placement for a public web server is in a DMZ, separated from the internal application and database networks. This is because the DMZ, or demilitarized zone, acts as a buffer network that hosts publicly accessible services while enforcing strict isolation from internal assets; firewall rules allow inbound internet traffic only to the web server in the DMZ, while the application and database servers remain on internal networks with no direct internet access, creating a layered security architecture. On the Security+ SY0-701 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of network segmentation and defense in depth, often appearing as a multi-tier architecture question where a common trap is placing the web server directly on the internal network or using a single firewall rule that exposes backend servers. To remember this, think of the DMZ as a “public waiting room”—the web server greets the internet, but the real work stays behind locked doors.
SY0-701 Security Architecture Practice Question
This SY0-701 practice question tests your understanding of security architecture. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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 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
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
In a DMZ separated from the internal application and database networks.
The web server must be placed in a DMZ (demilitarized zone) because this network segment is designed to host publicly accessible services while isolating them from internal networks. The DMZ allows inbound traffic from the internet to the web server, but the application and database servers remain on internal networks with strict firewall rules that block direct internet access, enforcing a layered security architecture.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
On the internal user network with the database server.
Why it's wrong here
This places a public service inside the trusted internal network, which increases exposure.
- ✓
In a DMZ separated from the internal application and database networks.
Why this is correct
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.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
On the same subnet as the firewall management interface.
Why it's wrong here
Management interfaces should be isolated, not combined with public-facing web workloads.
- ✗
Directly on the database subnet so performance is faster.
Why it's wrong here
Putting the web server beside the database increases risk and exposes the database path unnecessarily.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often confuse a DMZ with a 'public subnet' and think placing the web server directly on the internet-facing side of the firewall is sufficient, but the DMZ is a separate, isolated network segment that enforces strict traffic inspection and prevents direct lateral movement to internal resources.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
In a typical three-tier architecture, the DMZ hosts the web server, which proxies requests to the application server on an internal network using protocols like HTTP/HTTPS (port 80/443) or AJP (port 8009). The database server resides on a separate backend network, often with firewall rules permitting only the application server's IP and specific ports (e.g., MySQL 3306 or MSSQL 1433). This segmentation ensures that even if the web server is compromised, the attacker cannot directly access the database without pivoting through the application server, which adds an additional layer of defense.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A security analyst at a medium-sized enterprise encounters this scenario during an investigation or architecture review. The correct answer reflects best practice for the specific threat or control described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Security exam questions test whether you can match controls to threats in context — not just recall definitions.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SY0-701 question test?
Security Architecture — This question tests Security Architecture — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: In a DMZ separated from the internal application and database networks. — The web server must be placed in a DMZ (demilitarized zone) because this network segment is designed to host publicly accessible services while isolating them from internal networks. The DMZ allows inbound traffic from the internet to the web server, but the application and database servers remain on internal networks with strict firewall rules that block direct internet access, enforcing a layered security architecture.
What should I do if I get this SY0-701 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
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