- A
Cloud NAT
Provides outbound connectivity with optional logging.
- B
Cloud Logging
NAT logs are sent to Cloud Logging.
- C
Cloud VPN
Why wrong: Not needed for outbound internet.
- D
Cloud Router
Required for Cloud NAT configuration.
- E
VPC Flow Logs
Why wrong: VPC Flow Logs capture network flows but not specifically NAT logs; NAT logging is separate.
Question 851 of 982
PCNE Implementing VPC Instances Practice Question
This PCNE practice question tests your understanding of implementing vpc instances. 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.
An organization has a VPC with multiple subnets. They want to log all outbound connections from instances to the internet for compliance. They also want to use a cost-effective solution that doesn't require a proxy. Which three components are needed? (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
✓
Cloud NAT
Cloud NAT with logging enabled provides logs of outbound connections. Cloud Router is required to set up Cloud NAT. Firewall rules allow the traffic but are not specifically needed for logging; the NAT logs capture the connections.
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.
- ✓
Cloud NAT
Why this is correct
Provides outbound connectivity with optional logging.
Related concept
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
- ✓
Cloud Logging
- ✗
Cloud VPN
Why it's wrong here
Not needed for outbound internet.
- ✓
Cloud Router
- ✗
VPC Flow Logs
Why it's wrong here
VPC Flow Logs capture network flows but not specifically NAT logs; NAT logging is separate.
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 startup's cloud architect reviews their monthly bill and notices costs are higher than expected for a long-running batch job. Switching from on-demand instances to Reserved Instances — or using Spot/Preemptible VMs — can reduce compute costs by up to 72 %. Questions like this test whether you understand the tradeoffs between commitment, flexibility, and cost across cloud pricing models.
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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Implementing VPC Instances — study guide chapter
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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: Cloud NAT — Cloud NAT with logging enabled provides logs of outbound connections. Cloud Router is required to set up Cloud NAT. Firewall rules allow the traffic but are not specifically needed for logging; the NAT logs capture the connections.
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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