- A
Bridged networking
Why wrong: Bridged mode connects the VM directly to the physical network, exposing it to the corporate network.
- B
NAT (Network Address Translation)
NAT provides internet access through the host while keeping the VM isolated from the corporate network.
- C
Host-only networking
Why wrong: Host-only networking only allows communication between the host and VM, not internet access.
- D
Internal networking
Why wrong: Internal networking only allows VMs on the same host to communicate, with no internet access.
Question 182 of 750
Configuring NAT for VM Isolation and Internet Connectivity
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of virtualization and cloud technologies. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 technician is tasked with deploying a virtual machine for a new employee. The VM will run a Linux distribution and needs to be isolated from the corporate network but still have internet access for updates. Which network configuration should the technician choose for the VM?
Quick Answer
The answer is NAT, or Network Address Translation. This configuration is correct because it allows the virtual machine to reach the internet for updates by sharing the host’s IP address, while simultaneously isolating the VM from the corporate network—the host acts as a gateway, so the VM never receives its own routable IP on the local LAN. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of virtual networking modes and their security implications; a common trap is choosing Bridged mode, which would assign the VM a separate IP on the corporate network and break isolation. Remember that NAT provides a private, one-way street to the internet, whereas Bridged puts the VM directly on the same road as every other corporate device. A helpful memory tip: “NAT hides the VM behind the host, like a guest using your Wi-Fi without joining your home network.”
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
✓
NAT (Network Address Translation)
NAT (Network Address Translation) allows the VM to access the internet through the host's IP address while keeping the VM on a private subnet, effectively isolating it from the corporate network. The host acts as a router, translating the VM's private IP to the host's external IP for outbound traffic, which meets the requirement of internet access for updates without direct corporate network connectivity.
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.
- ✗
Bridged networking
Why it's wrong here
Bridged mode connects the VM directly to the physical network, exposing it to the corporate network.
- ✓
NAT (Network Address Translation)
- ✗
Host-only networking
Why it's wrong here
Host-only networking only allows communication between the host and VM, not internet access.
- ✗
Internal networking
Why it's wrong here
Internal networking only allows VMs on the same host to communicate, with no internet access.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
A common misconception in CompTIA A+ scenarios is that internet access requires a direct network connection, leading candidates to choose bridged networking. However, they overlook the isolation requirement that NAT satisfies by hiding the VM behind the host's IP address.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, NAT in hypervisors like VMware or VirtualBox uses a virtual DHCP server to assign private IPs (e.g., 192.168.x.x) and performs IP masquerading via the host's network stack, typically using iptables or a built-in NAT engine. A subtle behavior is that the VM cannot be directly reached from the corporate network unless port forwarding is explicitly configured, which reinforces isolation. In real-world scenarios, this is common for lab VMs or development environments where security policies require separation from production networks.
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 small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
Visual reference
What to study next
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 220-1202 question test?
Virtualization and Cloud Technologies — This question tests Virtualization and Cloud Technologies — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: NAT (Network Address Translation) — NAT (Network Address Translation) allows the VM to access the internet through the host's IP address while keeping the VM on a private subnet, effectively isolating it from the corporate network. The host acts as a router, translating the VM's private IP to the host's external IP for outbound traffic, which meets the requirement of internet access for updates without direct corporate network connectivity.
What should I do if I get this 220-1202 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: Jul 4, 2026
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