PCNE Configuring Network Services Practice Question
A company is running workloads on Compute Engine instances without public IP addresses. They need to allow these instances to securely access the internet for software updates. Which Google Cloud service should be configured?
⚠ Common exam trap
Google Cloud often tests the distinction between Private Google Access (which only reaches Google APIs) and Cloud NAT (which provides full internet access), causing candidates to confuse the two when the requirement is for general internet connectivity like software updates.
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 (Network Address Translation) allows Compute Engine instances without public IP addresses to initiate outbound connections to the internet for tasks like software updates. It translates the private IP addresses of the instances to a public IP address managed by Google Cloud, enabling secure outbound internet access without exposing the instances to inbound traffic.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Cloud VPN
Why it's wrong here
Cloud VPN is for connecting on-premises networks to Google Cloud, not for internet access.
- ✗
Private Google Access
Why it's wrong here
Private Google Access only allows access to Google APIs, not general internet.
- ✓
Cloud NAT
Why this is correct
Cloud NAT enables outbound internet traffic from instances without public IPs.
- ✗
VPC Peering
Why it's wrong here
VPC peering connects two VPCs, not for internet access.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This PCNE practice question is part of Courseiva's free Google Cloud certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the PCNE exam.