- A
Create Cloud Router, then create NAT gateway, then assign NAT to subnets, then configure private VMs, then test connectivity.
This is the correct order because a Cloud Router is required before creating a NAT gateway, the NAT gateway must be created before assigning it to subnets, and private VMs must be configured after the NAT gateway is set up, with testing as the final step.
- B
Create NAT gateway, then create Cloud Router, then assign NAT to subnets, then configure private VMs, then test connectivity.
Why wrong: This is incorrect because the Cloud Router must be created before the NAT gateway, as the NAT gateway is attached to the router.
- C
Create Cloud Router, then assign NAT to subnets, then create NAT gateway, then configure private VMs, then test connectivity.
Why wrong: This is incorrect because the NAT gateway must be created before it can be assigned to subnets.
- D
Configure private VMs, then create Cloud Router, then create NAT gateway, then assign NAT to subnets, then test connectivity.
Why wrong: This is incorrect because private VMs must be configured after the NAT gateway is set up, and the Cloud Router and NAT gateway must be created first.
Configure Cloud NAT for Private VM Instances: Step-by-Step Guide
This PCSE practice question tests your understanding of pcse exam topics. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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.
Drag and drop the steps to configure a Cloud NAT for private VM instances in the correct order.
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 Cloud Router, then create NAT gateway, then assign NAT to subnets, then configure private VMs, then test connectivity.
Cloud NAT requires a Cloud Router, NAT gateway creation, subnet assignment, private VM configuration, and testing.
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 Cloud Router, then create NAT gateway, then assign NAT to subnets, then configure private VMs, then test connectivity.
Why this is correct
This is the correct order because a Cloud Router is required before creating a NAT gateway, the NAT gateway must be created before assigning it to subnets, and private VMs must be configured after the NAT gateway is set up, with testing as the final step.
Related concept
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
- ✗
Create NAT gateway, then create Cloud Router, then assign NAT to subnets, then configure private VMs, then test connectivity.
- ✗
Create Cloud Router, then assign NAT to subnets, then create NAT gateway, then configure private VMs, then test connectivity.
- ✗
Configure private VMs, then create Cloud Router, then create NAT gateway, then assign NAT to subnets, then test connectivity.
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
An e-commerce site experiences heavy traffic on Black Friday and near-zero traffic during off-peak weeks. Rather than provisioning permanent large VMs, the team uses auto-scaling groups that add capacity automatically under load and reduce it overnight. Questions like this test whether you understand elasticity, availability zones, and cloud compute scaling patterns.
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 PCSE subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this PCSE question test?
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Create Cloud Router, then create NAT gateway, then assign NAT to subnets, then configure private VMs, then test connectivity. — Cloud NAT requires a Cloud Router, NAT gateway creation, subnet assignment, private VM configuration, and testing.
What should I do if I get this PCSE 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 PCSE 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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