PCNE Implementing VPC Instances Practice Question
An engineer has multiple projects with overlapping IP ranges. They want to create a single Cloud NAT gateway to provide outbound internet access for instances in two different VPCs that are connected via VPC Network Peering. Is this possible?
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
✓
No, each VPC must have its own Cloud NAT gateway
Cloud NAT is a regional resource that belongs to a single VPC network and router. It cannot be shared across VPCs via peering. Each VPC needs its own Cloud NAT gateway. Peering does not allow using the other VPC's NAT.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
No, each VPC must have its own Cloud NAT gateway
Why this is correct
Cloud NAT is per VPC and per region. It cannot be shared across VPCs, even with peering.
- ✗
Yes, by enabling 'NAT support' on the VPC peering connection
Why it's wrong here
VPC peering does not have a NAT support feature. Each VPC must have its own Cloud NAT.
- ✗
No, but you can use a single instance with an external IP as a NAT instance
Why it's wrong here
While technically possible, it's not a Cloud NAT gateway. The question asks about Cloud NAT specifically. Also, using a NAT instance is an alternative but not the recommended solution.
- ✗
Yes, by configuring the Cloud NAT gateway in one VPC and adding a route in the peered VPC with next hop as the NAT gateway
Why it's wrong here
Cloud NAT is not a routeable next hop; it's a function of the VPC's Cloud Router. Peered VPCs cannot use each other's NAT.
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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.