- A
Use Cloud SQL Auth Proxy on a machine in the source network.
Cloud SQL Auth Proxy creates an encrypted tunnel and works over the internet, bypassing direct connectivity requirements.
- B
Use a Cloud VPN tunnel to connect the on-premises network to Google Cloud.
Why wrong: Cloud VPN requires the on-premises firewall to allow VPN traffic, which may not be possible if direct connections are blocked.
- C
Set up VPC peering between the on-premises network and Google Cloud.
Why wrong: VPC peering requires network routes and firewall rules to allow traffic, which may not be feasible if the firewall blocks direct connections.
- D
Configure a public IP for Cloud SQL and whitelist the source IP.
Why wrong: This exposes Cloud SQL to the internet and may not be allowed by security policies; also requires the source to have a static IP.
PCD Migrate Data Solutions Practice Question
This PCD practice question tests your understanding of migrate data solutions. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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 company is using Database Migration Service to migrate an on-premises PostgreSQL database to Cloud SQL for PostgreSQL. The source database is behind a firewall that does not allow direct connections from Google Cloud. What connectivity option should they use?
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
Use Cloud SQL Auth Proxy on a machine in the source network.
Cloud SQL Auth Proxy provides a secure tunnel and can be run on the source network to connect to Cloud SQL. VPC peering requires direct network connectivity, which may not be possible through a firewall.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Use Cloud SQL Auth Proxy on a machine in the source network.
Why this is correct
Cloud SQL Auth Proxy creates an encrypted tunnel and works over the internet, bypassing direct connectivity requirements.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Use a Cloud VPN tunnel to connect the on-premises network to Google Cloud.
- ✗
Set up VPC peering between the on-premises network and Google Cloud.
Why it's wrong here
VPC peering requires network routes and firewall rules to allow traffic, which may not be feasible if the firewall blocks direct connections.
- ✗
Configure a public IP for Cloud SQL and whitelist the source IP.
Why it's wrong here
This exposes Cloud SQL to the internet and may not be allowed by security policies; also requires the source to have a static IP.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
- Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
- Underline the problem statement mentally.
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A healthcare organisation deploys an application with a public-facing web tier and a private database tier. The database subnet has no public IP and only accepts connections from the web tier's security group. Questions like this test whether you can design cloud network isolation using VNets/VPCs, subnets, and security group rules.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which PCD exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
- →
Migrate Data Solutions — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
Migrate Data Solutions practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this PCD question test?
Migrate Data Solutions — This question tests Migrate Data Solutions — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Use Cloud SQL Auth Proxy on a machine in the source network. — Cloud SQL Auth Proxy provides a secure tunnel and can be run on the source network to connect to Cloud SQL. VPC peering requires direct network connectivity, which may not be possible through a firewall.
What should I do if I get this PCD question wrong?
Identify which PCD exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
This PCD 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 PCD exam.
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