- A
Create VPC network and subnet first, then create firewall rule allowing SSH, then create Compute Engine instance in the subnet.
This is the correct order because the VPC and subnet must exist before you can create an instance in that subnet. The firewall rule must also be in place before creating the instance to ensure SSH access is allowed from the start.
- B
Create VPC network and subnet first, then create Compute Engine instance, then create firewall rule allowing SSH.
Why wrong: This is incorrect because the instance is created before the firewall rule that allows SSH access. The instance would be unreachable via SSH until the firewall rule is created, and some configurations might fail if the firewall rule is missing during instance creation.
- C
Create firewall rule allowing SSH first, then create VPC network and subnet, then create Compute Engine instance.
Why wrong: This is incorrect because a firewall rule cannot be created without a VPC network. The VPC network must exist first to define the network to which the rule applies.
- D
Create VPC network and subnet first, then create Compute Engine instance in the default subnet, then create a firewall rule allowing SSH for that subnet.
Why wrong: This is incorrect because the instance is created in a subnet (default) that may not be the intended subnet, and the firewall rule is created after the instance. The instance should be in the specified subnet, and the firewall rule should be created before the instance to ensure SSH access from the beginning.
Correct Order to Set Up VPC, Subnet, Firewall, and Compute Engine
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.
Order the steps to set up a VPC network with a subnet, firewall rule allowing SSH, and a Compute Engine instance in that subnet.
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
Create VPC network and subnet first, then create firewall rule allowing SSH, then create Compute Engine instance in the subnet.
The correct sequence is to first create the VPC network and subnet, then create the firewall rule allowing SSH, and finally create the Compute Engine instance. This ensures that the network infrastructure is ready before the instance is launched, and SSH access is available immediately.
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.
- ✓
Create VPC network and subnet first, then create firewall rule allowing SSH, then create Compute Engine instance in the subnet.
Why this is correct
This is the correct order because the VPC and subnet must exist before you can create an instance in that subnet. The firewall rule must also be in place before creating the instance to ensure SSH access is allowed from the start.
Related concept
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
- ✗
Create VPC network and subnet first, then create Compute Engine instance, then create firewall rule allowing SSH.
- ✗
Create firewall rule allowing SSH first, then create VPC network and subnet, then create Compute Engine instance.
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because a firewall rule cannot be created without a VPC network. The VPC network must exist first to define the network to which the rule applies.
- ✗
Create VPC network and subnet first, then create Compute Engine instance in the default subnet, then create a firewall rule allowing SSH for that subnet.
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because the instance is created in a subnet (default) that may not be the intended subnet, and the firewall rule is created after the instance. The instance should be in the specified subnet, and the firewall rule should be created before the instance to ensure SSH access from the beginning.
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: Create VPC network and subnet first, then create firewall rule allowing SSH, then create Compute Engine instance in the subnet. — The correct sequence is to first create the VPC network and subnet, then create the firewall rule allowing SSH, and finally create the Compute Engine instance. This ensures that the network infrastructure is ready before the instance is launched, and SSH access is available immediately.
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 11, 2026
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