- A
Private Google Access
Why wrong: Private Google Access only enables access to Google APIs and services, not general internet.
- B
A default route to the internet gateway
Why wrong: A default route to an internet gateway is not available in a VPC without a NAT; instances without public IPs cannot reach the internet via a default route alone.
- C
Cloud NAT
Cloud NAT allows private instances to access the internet for updates while blocking inbound connections.
- D
Cloud VPN
Why wrong: Cloud VPN provides secure connectivity to on-premises networks, not outbound internet access.
Question 279 of 1,000
easyMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
Google ACE Practice Question: A company has a set of Compute Engine instances…
This ACE practice question tests your understanding of ace exam topics. 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. 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 has a set of Compute Engine instances in a VPC that need outbound internet access for updates, but they do not have public IP addresses. The instances are running in a subnet with Private Google Access enabled. Which service should the company use to provide internet access?
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
✓
Cloud NAT
Cloud NAT (Option C) allows private Compute Engine instances without public IPs to access the internet for updates while blocking inbound connections. Option A (Private Google Access) is incorrect because it only enables access to Google APIs and services, not general internet. Option B (default route to internet gateway) is not possible in a VPC without a NAT gateway or instance. Option D (Cloud VPN) is for secure connectivity to on-premises networks, not outbound internet access.
Key principle: Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Private Google Access
Why it's wrong here
Private Google Access only enables access to Google APIs and services, not general internet.
- ✗
A default route to the internet gateway
Why it's wrong here
A default route to an internet gateway is not available in a VPC without a NAT; instances without public IPs cannot reach the internet via a default route alone.
- ✓
Cloud NAT
- ✗
Cloud VPN
Why it's wrong here
Cloud VPN provides secure connectivity to on-premises networks, not outbound internet access.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: usable hosts are not the same as total addresses
Subnetting questions often tempt you into counting all addresses. In normal IPv4 subnets, the network and broadcast addresses are not usable host addresses.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Subnetting questions test whether you can identify the network, broadcast address, usable range, mask and correct subnet. Slow down enough to calculate the block size correctly.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
- Block size helps identify subnet boundaries.
- Network and broadcast addresses are not usable hosts in normal IPv4 subnets.
- The required host count determines the smallest suitable subnet.
TExam Day Tips
- Write the block size before choosing the subnet.
- Check whether the question asks for hosts, subnets or a specific address range.
- Do not confuse /24, /25, /26 and /27 host counts.
Key takeaway
Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A company's IT admin needs to give a contractor read-only access to production logs without sharing account credentials. Using role-based access control (RBAC) and temporary scoped permissions — not a permanent shared password — is the correct pattern. Questions like this test whether you can apply least-privilege access across cloud identity services.
Visual reference
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related ACE subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this ACE question test?
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Cloud NAT — Cloud NAT (Option C) allows private Compute Engine instances without public IPs to access the internet for updates while blocking inbound connections. Option A (Private Google Access) is incorrect because it only enables access to Google APIs and services, not general internet. Option B (default route to internet gateway) is not possible in a VPC without a NAT gateway or instance. Option D (Cloud VPN) is for secure connectivity to on-premises networks, not outbound internet access.
What should I do if I get this ACE question wrong?
Review block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related ACE subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
What is the key concept behind this question?
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
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Last reviewed: Jun 23, 2026
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