The answer is to enable Private Google Access on the subnet. This configuration allows VM instances without an external IP address to reach Google APIs and services using internal RFC 1918 addresses, routing traffic through Google’s internal network rather than the public internet. On the Google Professional Cloud Network Engineer exam, this concept tests your understanding of how to secure API access while avoiding public exposure—a common trap is confusing Private Google Access with Cloud NAT, which only provides outbound internet for non-Google destinations. Remember that Private Google Access is a subnet-level setting, not a VM-level one, and it works alongside VPC flow logs for auditing. A helpful memory tip: think of it as “private API highway” for your internal VMs, keeping traffic off the public road.
PCNE Implementing a Virtual Private Cloud Practice Question
This PCNE practice question tests your understanding of implementing a virtual private cloud. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 developer wants to create a VM that can communicate with all Google APIs without requiring an external IP address. Which configuration is necessary?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Enable Private Google Access on the subnet.
To allow communication with Google APIs without an external IP, Private Google Access must be enabled on the subnet. Option B is correct. Option A is wrong because Cloud NAT is for internet access to non-Google destinations. Option C is wrong because VPC peering is for connecting VPCs. Option D is wrong because firewall rules alone are not sufficient.
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.
✗
Configure a Cloud NAT.
Why it's wrong here
Cloud NAT provides outbound internet to non-Google IPs, not Google APIs.
✗
Add a firewall rule to allow egress to 0.0.0.0/0.
Why it's wrong here
Firewall rules control access but do not provide the necessary routing for API access without external IP.
✗
Set up VPC peering with the Google APIs service producer.
Why it's wrong here
VPC peering is not used for Google API access; that is Private Google Access.
✓
Enable Private Google Access on the subnet.
Why this is correct
Private Google Access allows VMs without external IPs to reach Google APIs.
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.
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.
Implementing a Virtual Private Cloud — This question tests Implementing a Virtual Private Cloud — CIDR notation defines the prefix length..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Enable Private Google Access on the subnet. — To allow communication with Google APIs without an external IP, Private Google Access must be enabled on the subnet. Option B is correct. Option A is wrong because Cloud NAT is for internet access to non-Google destinations. Option C is wrong because VPC peering is for connecting VPCs. Option D is wrong because firewall rules alone are not sufficient.
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.
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 →
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.