PCNE Configuring Network Services Practice Question
Which TWO configurations can enable VM instances without external IPs to access the internet? (Choose TWO.)
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
✓
VPC peering with a network that has Cloud NAT
Cloud NAT (Option E) provides source network address translation for VMs in a subnet, enabling outbound internet access without external IPs. VPC peering with a network that has Cloud NAT (Option B) allows VMs to use the NAT of the peered network for internet access. Option A (Direct peering with Google) only provides connectivity to Google services, not the full internet. Option C (Private Google Access) only grants access to Google APIs. Option D (Using a proxy instance with an external IP) is possible but not a native Google Cloud service and requires manual configuration.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Direct peering with Google
Why it's wrong here
Direct peering is for on-premises networks to connect to Google, not for VM internet access.
- ✓
VPC peering with a network that has Cloud NAT
Why this is correct
Through VPC peering, VMs can use the NAT of the peered network for outbound traffic.
- ✗
Private Google Access
Why it's wrong here
Private Google Access only provides access to Google APIs and services, not the general internet.
- ✗
Using a proxy instance with an external IP
Why it's wrong here
While technically possible, this is not a native Google Cloud managed service and requires manual configuration of a proxy server.
- ✓
Cloud NAT
Why this is correct
Cloud NAT allows VMs without external IPs to reach the internet.
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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.