- A
Create a Cloud NAT gateway with static IP address and configure it on the VPC network.
Cloud NAT provides outbound internet access for instances without external IPs using a static IP.
- B
Assign a static external IP to each instance and configure a firewall rule to allow egress.
Why wrong: The requirement specifies instances have only internal IPs, so assigning external IPs is not desired.
- C
Configure Private Google Access on the subnet to route traffic to Google APIs.
Why wrong: Private Google Access only allows access to Google APIs, not general internet.
- D
Deploy a Compute Engine instance as a NAT instance with IP forwarding enabled.
Why wrong: A custom NAT instance is possible but not the recommended solution; Cloud NAT is the managed service.
Question 960 of 982
PCNE Implementing VPC Instances Practice Question
This PCNE practice question tests your understanding of implementing vpc instances. 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.
An engineer needs to provide outbound internet access to a set of Compute Engine instances that have only internal IP addresses. The instances must use a static IP address for outbound traffic. Which solution should they implement?
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 a Cloud NAT gateway with static IP address and configure it on the VPC network.
Cloud NAT with manual port allocation allows a static IP to be assigned to the NAT gateway, providing outbound internet access to instances without external IPs.
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 a Cloud NAT gateway with static IP address and configure it on the VPC network.
- ✗
Assign a static external IP to each instance and configure a firewall rule to allow egress.
Why it's wrong here
The requirement specifies instances have only internal IPs, so assigning external IPs is not desired.
- ✗
Configure Private Google Access on the subnet to route traffic to Google APIs.
Why it's wrong here
Private Google Access only allows access to Google APIs, not general internet.
- ✗
Deploy a Compute Engine instance as a NAT instance with IP forwarding enabled.
Why it's wrong here
A custom NAT instance is possible but not the recommended solution; Cloud NAT is the managed service.
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
A company's IT admin needs to give a contractor read-only access to production logs without sharing account credentials. Using role-based access control (RBAC) and temporary scoped permissions — not a permanent shared password — is the correct pattern. Questions like this test whether you can apply least-privilege access across cloud identity services.
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 PCNE subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this PCNE question test?
Implementing VPC Instances — This question tests Implementing VPC Instances — CIDR notation defines the prefix length..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Create a Cloud NAT gateway with static IP address and configure it on the VPC network. — Cloud NAT with manual port allocation allows a static IP to be assigned to the NAT gateway, providing outbound internet access to instances without external IPs.
What should I do if I get this PCNE 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 PCNE 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: Jul 4, 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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