- A
Put both servers on the same flat internal network
Why wrong: This keeps communication simple, but it exposes both systems to the same trust level and increases attack spread.
- B
Place the web server in a DMZ and keep the database server on the internal network
A DMZ is designed for internet-facing systems, while the database remains on a more trusted internal segment.
- C
Put the database server in the DMZ and the web server on the internal network
Why wrong: This reverses the usual security design and would expose the sensitive database more directly to outside traffic.
- D
Disable the firewall so the web server can communicate freely with all hosts
Why wrong: Removing filtering defeats segmentation and increases risk instead of limiting exposure between systems.
Quick Answer
The correct design is to place the web server in a DMZ and keep the database server on the internal network. This works because the DMZ acts as a buffer zone, allowing internet users to reach the public web server while a firewall strictly controls traffic between zones; a specific rule permits only the web server to connect to the database server on its designated port, such as TCP 3306 for MySQL. On the Security+ SY0-701 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of network segmentation and layered security, often appearing as a question about isolating sensitive data from direct internet access. A common trap is thinking both servers can sit in the DMZ or that a single firewall is enough, but the key is that the database must never be directly routable from the internet. Remember the mnemonic: “Web in the DMZ, DB inside—only one bridge allowed to cross the tide.”
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 is placing its public web server so internet users can reach it, but the database server must stay hidden from the internet and be reachable only by the web server. Which design best supports this goal?
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
Place the web server in a DMZ and keep the database server on the internal network
Option B is correct because it uses a DMZ (demilitarized zone) to isolate the public-facing web server from the internal network. The web server in the DMZ is accessible from the internet, while the database server remains on the internal network, reachable only by the web server through a firewall rule that permits traffic on the specific database port (e.g., TCP 3306 for MySQL). This layered security design prevents direct internet access to sensitive data.
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.
- ✗
Put both servers on the same flat internal network
Why it's wrong here
This keeps communication simple, but it exposes both systems to the same trust level and increases attack spread.
- ✓
Place the web server in a DMZ and keep the database server on the internal network
Why this is correct
A DMZ is designed for internet-facing systems, while the database remains on a more trusted internal segment.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Put the database server in the DMZ and the web server on the internal network
Why it's wrong here
This reverses the usual security design and would expose the sensitive database more directly to outside traffic.
- ✗
Disable the firewall so the web server can communicate freely with all hosts
Why it's wrong here
Removing filtering defeats segmentation and increases risk instead of limiting exposure between systems.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates may think placing the database server in the DMZ is acceptable because it is 'protected' by a firewall, but they overlook that the DMZ is still accessible from the internet, making the database directly reachable and violating the requirement to keep it hidden.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
In a typical DMZ architecture, the firewall uses stateful inspection to allow only specific traffic: internet users can reach the web server on ports 80/443, and the web server can initiate outbound connections to the database server on the internal network via a firewall rule that permits only established sessions. This design leverages network segmentation to enforce the principle of least privilege, and the database server should be configured to accept connections only from the web server's IP address, often using host-based firewall rules or database access control lists.
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: Place the web server in a DMZ and keep the database server on the internal network — Option B is correct because it uses a DMZ (demilitarized zone) to isolate the public-facing web server from the internal network. The web server in the DMZ is accessible from the internet, while the database server remains on the internal network, reachable only by the web server through a firewall rule that permits traffic on the specific database port (e.g., TCP 3306 for MySQL). This layered security design prevents direct internet access to sensitive data.
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.
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?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
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