The answer is virtual network peering. This is the correct configuration because VNet peering connects two Azure virtual networks in the same region directly over the Microsoft backbone infrastructure, enabling private IP communication without needing a VPN gateway or traversing the public internet. On the AZ-104 exam, this question tests your understanding of when to choose VNet peering over a VPN gateway; the key differentiator is that peering is used for same-region or cross-region connectivity within Azure’s own network, while VPN gateways are designed for site-to-site or point-to-site connections to on-premises networks. A common trap is assuming a VPN gateway is required for any cross-network traffic, but the exam emphasizes that VNet peering provides lower latency and higher bandwidth for Azure-to-Azure traffic. Remember the memory tip: “Peering for private Azure pairs, VPN for on-premises stairs.”
AZ-104 Implement and Manage Virtual Networking Practice Question
This AZ-104 practice question tests your understanding of implement and manage virtual networking. 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.
You have two virtual networks in the same Azure region named VNet-App and VNet-DB. Resources in the two networks must communicate privately over the Azure backbone without using VPN gateways. What should you configure?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Virtual network peering
Virtual network peering connects two Azure virtual networks in the same region via the Microsoft backbone infrastructure, enabling private IP communication without a VPNgateway or public internet. This is the correct solution because it meets the requirement for private, low-latency connectivity between VNet-App and VNet-DB using Azure's high-speed backbone.
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.
✓
Virtual network peering
Why this is correct
VNet peering enables private communication between the VNets over the Azure backbone.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
A site-to-site VPN
Why it's wrong here
A site-to-site VPN is used to connect on-premises networks to Azure or separate networks over VPN infrastructure.
✗
A network security group
Why it's wrong here
An NSG filters traffic but does not create connectivity between VNets.
✗
An Azure Firewall policy only
Why it's wrong here
Firewall policy manages filtering rules but does not create the base network connection.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often confuse network security groups (NSGs) or Azure Firewall as connectivity solutions, when they are only security controls that require an existing network path (like peering) to function.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Virtual network peering uses the Azure backbone to route traffic between VNets with no intermediate hops, achieving latency equivalent to a single VNet. When you peer two VNets in the same region, traffic flows through the Microsoft network fabric without any bandwidth charges (only egress charges apply for cross-region peering). A common real-world scenario is a hub-and-spoke topology where a central VNet (e.g., management) peers with multiple spoke VNets (e.g., app and DB) to enable private communication while maintaining network isolation.
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 healthcare organisation deploys an application with a public-facing web tier and a private database tier. The database subnet has no public IP and only accepts connections from the web tier's security group. Questions like this test whether you can design cloud network isolation using VNets/VPCs, subnets, and security group rules.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this AZ-104 question in full detail.
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: Virtual network peering — Virtual network peering connects two Azure virtual networks in the same region via the Microsoft backbone infrastructure, enabling private IP communication without a VPN gateway or public internet. This is the correct solution because it meets the requirement for private, low-latency connectivity between VNet-App and VNet-DB using Azure's high-speed backbone.
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.
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Question Discussion
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