- A
A service endpoint for Microsoft.Sql on the subnet.
Why wrong: A service endpoint does not create a private IP address or change name resolution to the VNet.
- B
A private endpoint for the SQL server and a private DNS zone linked to the VNet.
Private endpoints place the PaaS service behind a private IP address in the virtual network. For name resolution to work correctly, the SQL server name must also resolve through a private DNS zone linked to the VNet. This design keeps public network access disabled while allowing the VM to reach Azure SQL entirely over private connectivity. It is the right fit when both private IP access and DNS integration are required.
- C
A user-defined route that points SQL traffic to the Internet.
Why wrong: Routing to the Internet cannot satisfy a requirement for private IP connectivity inside the VNet.
- D
An NSG rule that allows TCP 1433 from the subnet to Azure SQL.
Why wrong: NSGs can permit traffic, but they do not provide private addressing or private DNS resolution.
Quick Answer
The answer is a private endpoint for the SQL server combined with a private DNS zone linked to the VNet. This is correct because a private endpoint assigns Azure SQL Database a private IP from your VNet, keeping all traffic within the Microsoft backbone and bypassing the public internet, while the private DNS zone ensures the SQL server name (like server.database.windows.net) resolves to that private IP, meeting the requirement for name resolution. On the AZ-104 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of the key difference between service endpoints and private endpoints: service endpoints only secure traffic to the public endpoint via the VNet, but they do not assign a private IP or disable public access. A common trap is choosing a service endpoint, which still allows public internet routing and cannot disable public network access. Remember the mnemonic "Private IP, Private DNS" — if the question demands a private IP and name resolution, you must deploy a private endpoint and a linked private DNS zone.
AZ-104 Implement and Manage Virtual Networking Practice Question
This AZ-104 practice question tests your understanding of implement and manage virtual networking. 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 VM-based application must connect to Azure SQL Database over a private IP inside the VNet. The SQL server name must resolve to that private IP, and public network access must remain disabled. What should the administrator deploy?
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
A private endpoint for the SQL server and a private DNS zone linked to the VNet.
A private endpoint assigns the Azure SQL Database a private IP from the VNet, ensuring traffic stays within the Microsoft backbone. A private DNS zone linked to the VNet allows the SQL server name (e.g., server.database.windows.net) to resolve to that private IP, meeting the requirement for name resolution. Public network access is disabled via the SQL server's firewall settings, which is a prerequisite for private endpoint connectivity.
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.
- ✗
A service endpoint for Microsoft.Sql on the subnet.
Why it's wrong here
A service endpoint does not create a private IP address or change name resolution to the VNet.
- ✓
A private endpoint for the SQL server and a private DNS zone linked to the VNet.
Why this is correct
Private endpoints place the PaaS service behind a private IP address in the virtual network. For name resolution to work correctly, the SQL server name must also resolve through a private DNS zone linked to the VNet. This design keeps public network access disabled while allowing the VM to reach Azure SQL entirely over private connectivity. It is the right fit when both private IP access and DNS integration are required.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
A user-defined route that points SQL traffic to the Internet.
Why it's wrong here
Routing to the Internet cannot satisfy a requirement for private IP connectivity inside the VNet.
- ✗
An NSG rule that allows TCP 1433 from the subnet to Azure SQL.
Why it's wrong here
NSGs can permit traffic, but they do not provide private addressing or private DNS resolution.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often confuse service endpoints with private endpoints, assuming both provide private IP connectivity, but service endpoints only provide source VNet identity and do not assign a private IP to the Azure service.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
A private endpoint uses a network interface in the VNet with a private IP from the subnet, and traffic to Azure SQL is routed over the Microsoft backbone via Private Link, bypassing the public internet. The private DNS zone (privatelink.database.windows.net) must be linked to the VNet and configured with an A record for the SQL server's FQDN; otherwise, clients will still resolve to the public IP. In a real-world scenario, if the DNS zone is not linked, the administrator would need to manually configure a custom DNS server or hosts file, which is error-prone and not scalable.
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.
TExam Day Tips
- 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 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.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this AZ-104 question test?
Implement and Manage Virtual Networking — This question tests Implement and Manage Virtual Networking — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: A private endpoint for the SQL server and a private DNS zone linked to the VNet. — A private endpoint assigns the Azure SQL Database a private IP from the VNet, ensuring traffic stays within the Microsoft backbone. A private DNS zone linked to the VNet allows the SQL server name (e.g., server.database.windows.net) to resolve to that private IP, meeting the requirement for name resolution. Public network access is disabled via the SQL server's firewall settings, which is a prerequisite for private endpoint connectivity.
What should I do if I get this AZ-104 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
This AZ-104 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Microsoft 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 AZ-104 exam.
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