Quick Answer
The answer is Private Google Access, which must be enabled for Compute Engine instances without public IPs to reach Google APIs like Cloud Storage and BigQuery. This works because Private Google Access routes traffic destined for Google API IP ranges through the VPC’s default internet gateway, using internal DNS to resolve API hostnames to Google’s internal addresses—no public IP on the instance is required. On the Google Professional Cloud Network Engineer exam, this concept often appears in scenarios where you must distinguish Private Google Access from Private Service Connect or VPC peering; a common trap is assuming that a Cloud VPN or Cloud NAT alone provides API access, but Private Google Access is the specific feature for internal-only instances. Remember the mnemonic: “No public IP? Private Google Access is the key.”
This PCNE practice question tests your understanding of configuring network services. 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 has Compute Engine instances in a VPC that only have internal IP addresses. They need to access Google Cloud services like Cloud Storage and BigQuery. They also have on-premises servers that need to access the same instances via a Cloud VPN tunnel. What must be enabled for the instances to access Google APIs without public IPs?
Private Google Access
Private Google Access enables access to Google APIs from internal IPs without public IPs.
Cloud Router
Why wrong: Cloud Router is for dynamic routing with on-premises, not for API access.
VPC peering
Why wrong: VPC peering is for connecting two VPCs, not for accessing Google APIs.
Cloud NAT
Why wrong: Cloud NAT provides internet access, but Google APIs can be accessed privately without NAT.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Private Google Access
Private Google Access enables Compute Engine instances that have only internal IP addresses (no external IPs) to reach Google APIs and services such as Cloud Storage and BigQuery. It works by routing traffic destined for Google API IP ranges through the default internet gateway, using the VPC's internal DNS resolution to map the API hostnames to Google's internal IP addresses, without requiring a public IP on the instance.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Private Google Access
Why this is correct
Private Google Access enables access to Google APIs from internal IPs without public IPs.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Cloud Router
Why it's wrong here
Cloud Router is for dynamic routing with on-premises, not for API access.
VPC peering
Why it's wrong here
VPC peering is for connecting two VPCs, not for accessing Google APIs.
Cloud NAT
Why it's wrong here
Cloud NAT provides internet access, but Google APIs can be accessed privately without NAT.
Common exam traps
Google Cloud often tests the distinction between Cloud NAT (for general internet outbound) and Private Google Access (specifically for Google APIs), leading candidates to mistakenly choose Cloud NAT when the question explicitly requires access to Google services without public IPs.
Detailed technical explanation
Private Google Access works by using the VPC's default route (0.0.0.0/0) with a next hop of 'default internet gateway' to send traffic to Google's published IP ranges (e.g., 199.36.153.4/30 for restricted.googleapis.com). The instance's DNS queries resolve to these internal IPs, and the VPC's internal forwarding ensures the traffic never leaves Google's network, avoiding the need for a public IP. In a real-world scenario, if you also need on-premises servers to reach the same instances, you would combine Private Google Access with Cloud VPN and Cloud Router for BGP-based route exchange.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A media company stores terabytes of video archives that are accessed once a year for audit purposes. Moving these objects to a cold storage tier (Azure Archive, S3 Glacier, or Google Nearline) costs a fraction of hot storage. Questions like this test whether you understand storage tiers, access frequency tradeoffs, and retrieval latency requirements.
What to study next
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FAQ
Configuring network services — This question tests Configuring network services — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Private Google Access — Private Google Access enables Compute Engine instances that have only internal IP addresses (no external IPs) to reach Google APIs and services such as Cloud Storage and BigQuery. It works by routing traffic destined for Google API IP ranges through the default internet gateway, using the VPC's internal DNS resolution to map the API hostnames to Google's internal IP addresses, without requiring a public IP on the instance.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 30, 2026
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.
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