- A
Place all servers on one VLAN and use host firewalls on each system.
Why wrong: This reduces some risk, but it does not create clear trust boundaries between tiers. A flat network makes lateral movement easier if one server is compromised.
- B
Place web servers in a DMZ, application servers in an internal server subnet, databases in a restricted trust zone, and allow administration only through ACLs from a jump host.
This design separates the exposure of each tier and limits traffic to the minimum necessary paths. The web servers can face the internet in a DMZ, while the application and database tiers remain progressively more restricted. ACLs and a jump host also enforce controlled administrative access and reduce direct management exposure.
- C
Place the database servers in the DMZ so the web tier can query them directly from the internet-facing network.
Why wrong: This exposes the most sensitive tier to the least trusted network segment. It increases the attack surface and violates common secure design practices.
- D
Use NAT for all servers and keep every system on the same internal subnet to simplify routing.
Why wrong: NAT hides addresses but does not provide strong segmentation or trust-zone separation. A shared subnet still allows broad east-west connectivity unless additional controls are added.
Quick Answer
The answer is to place web servers in a DMZ, application servers in an internal subnet, databases in a restricted trust zone, and allow administration only through ACLs from a jump host. This design enforces proper three-tier web application network segmentation by creating distinct security zones: the DMZ isolates the web tier from the internet, the internal subnet restricts the application tier to traffic only from the DMZ, and the restricted trust zone ensures the database is reachable solely from the application tier. The dedicated jump host provides a hardened administrative gateway, with ACLs enforcing least-privilege access. On the Security+ SY0-701 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of layered defense and zone-based architecture, often appearing as a multi-tier design question where the common trap is placing the database in the DMZ or allowing direct admin access from the internet. Remember the mnemonic “WAD-Jump” — Web in DMZ, App in internal, Database in restricted trust, Jump host for admin.
SY0-701 Security Architecture Practice Question
This SY0-701 practice question tests your understanding of security architecture. 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. A key principle to apply: dMZ isolates public-facing services from internal networks.. 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 redesigning a customer portal. Internet users must reach only the web tier, the application tier must be reachable only from the web tier, and the database must be reachable only from the application tier. Administrators should manage servers from a dedicated jump host. Which design best meets these requirements?
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 web servers in a DMZ, application servers in an internal server subnet, databases in a restricted trust zone, and allow administration only through ACLs from a jump host.
Option B correctly implements a layered security architecture by placing web servers in a DMZ (accessible from the internet), application servers in an internal subnet (accessible only from the DMZ), and databases in a restricted trust zone (accessible only from the application tier). Administration is restricted to a dedicated jump host, enforcing strict network segmentation and least-privilege access control via ACLs.
Key principle: DMZ isolates public-facing services from internal networks.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Place all servers on one VLAN and use host firewalls on each system.
Why it's wrong here
This reduces some risk, but it does not create clear trust boundaries between tiers. A flat network makes lateral movement easier if one server is compromised.
- ✓
Place web servers in a DMZ, application servers in an internal server subnet, databases in a restricted trust zone, and allow administration only through ACLs from a jump host.
Why this is correct
This design separates the exposure of each tier and limits traffic to the minimum necessary paths. The web servers can face the internet in a DMZ, while the application and database tiers remain progressively more restricted. ACLs and a jump host also enforce controlled administrative access and reduce direct management exposure.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
DMZ isolates public-facing services from internal networks.
- ✗
Place the database servers in the DMZ so the web tier can query them directly from the internet-facing network.
Why it's wrong here
This exposes the most sensitive tier to the least trusted network segment. It increases the attack surface and violates common secure design practices.
- ✗
Use NAT for all servers and keep every system on the same internal subnet to simplify routing.
Why it's wrong here
NAT hides addresses but does not provide strong segmentation or trust-zone separation. A shared subnet still allows broad east-west connectivity unless additional controls are added.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates may think host firewalls alone are sufficient for segmentation, ignoring that VLANs and network ACLs are required to prevent lateral movement and enforce tier-to-tier access restrictions at the network layer.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This design follows the principle of defense in depth, where each tier is isolated into separate subnets or VLANs with stateful firewalls or ACLs controlling traffic between them. The jump host (or bastion host) provides a single, audited entry point for administrative access, typically using SSH or RDP with multi-factor authentication, and is itself hardened and placed in a separate management subnet.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- DMZ isolates public-facing services from internal networks.
- Network segmentation creates distinct trust zones.
- ACLs enforce granular traffic flow between segments.
- Jump hosts centralize and secure administrative access.
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
DMZ isolates public-facing services from internal networks.
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. DMZ isolates public-facing services from internal networks. 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.
Review dMZ isolates public-facing services from internal networks., then practise related SY0-701 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SY0-701 question test?
Security Architecture — This question tests Security Architecture — DMZ isolates public-facing services from internal networks..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Place web servers in a DMZ, application servers in an internal server subnet, databases in a restricted trust zone, and allow administration only through ACLs from a jump host. — Option B correctly implements a layered security architecture by placing web servers in a DMZ (accessible from the internet), application servers in an internal subnet (accessible only from the DMZ), and databases in a restricted trust zone (accessible only from the application tier). Administration is restricted to a dedicated jump host, enforcing strict network segmentation and least-privilege access control via ACLs.
What should I do if I get this SY0-701 question wrong?
Review dMZ isolates public-facing services from internal networks., then practise related SY0-701 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
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?
DMZ isolates public-facing services from internal networks.
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
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