- A
Dataflow
Why wrong: While Dataflow can process streams, it is not the specific solution described; it requires more custom code compared to using Upsert to BigQuery directly.
- B
Pub/Sub
This option correctly enables Streaming Engine and uses Upsert to BigQuery, meeting the requirement with minimal custom code.
- C
Kafka Connect (with Pub/Sub connector)
Why wrong: Kafka Connect is used for data ingestion, not directly for stream processing as needed for the dashboard.
- D
Cloud NAT
Why wrong: Cloud NAT is unrelated to data ingestion or processing for this use case.
- E
Cloud Functions
Why wrong: Cloud Functions would require custom code and is not as efficient for stream processing as the recommended service.
Question 873 of 1,000
PDE Designing Data Processing Systems Practice Question
This PDE practice question tests your understanding of designing data processing systems. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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.
A data team is building a near-real-time dashboard that displays aggregated metrics from Kafka topics. They want to use Pub/Sub as a managed messaging service and Dataflow for stream processing. They need to ingest data from Kafka into Pub/Sub with minimal custom code. Which THREE Google Cloud services should they use together? (Choose three.)
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
✓
Pub/Sub
The correct service for this requirement is to enable Streaming Engine and use Upsert to BigQuery, as it provides the necessary stream processing and direct integration for near-real-time dashboards.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Dataflow
Why it's wrong here
While Dataflow can process streams, it is not the specific solution described; it requires more custom code compared to using Upsert to BigQuery directly.
- ✓
Pub/Sub
Why this is correct
This option correctly enables Streaming Engine and uses Upsert to BigQuery, meeting the requirement with minimal custom code.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
- ✗
Kafka Connect (with Pub/Sub connector)
Why it's wrong here
Kafka Connect is used for data ingestion, not directly for stream processing as needed for the dashboard.
- ✗
Cloud NAT
Why it's wrong here
Cloud NAT is unrelated to data ingestion or processing for this use case.
- ✗
Cloud Functions
Why it's wrong here
Cloud Functions would require custom code and is not as efficient for stream processing as the recommended service.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
- PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
- Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
- NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.
TExam Day Tips
- Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
- Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
- Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A cloud solutions architect for a retail company is evaluating services for a new workload. The correct answer here reflects best practice for the specific scenario described — not a general cloud recommendation. NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated. Cloud exam questions reward reading the constraint carefully: the same technology can be right or wrong depending on the use case.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related PDE NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
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Designing Data Processing Systems — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this PDE question test?
Designing Data Processing Systems — This question tests Designing Data Processing Systems — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Pub/Sub — The correct service for this requirement is to enable Streaming Engine and use Upsert to BigQuery, as it provides the necessary stream processing and direct integration for near-real-time dashboards.
What should I do if I get this PDE question wrong?
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related PDE NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
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