The correct choice is to create a composite index on (category, price). This configuration directly supports the Azure Cosmos DB composite index range query pattern, allowing the database engine to efficiently filter by category and then perform a range scan on price within that partition. Without a composite index, a query filtering on both fields would require a cross-partition fan-out or an inefficient full scan, defeating the low-latency requirement for a global e-commerce platform. On the AZ-204 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of how composite indexes optimize range queries on multiple properties, especially when the partition key is already used in the filter. A common trap is assuming separate indexes on each field are sufficient—they are not for range queries across two properties. Remember the memory tip: “Composite for combo, separate for single”—if your WHERE clause chains equality with range, you need a composite index that lists the equality field first.
AZ-204 Practice Question: Connect to and consume Azure services and third-party services
This AZ-204 practice question tests your understanding of connect to and consume azure services and third-party services. 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 company uses Azure Cosmos DB for a global e-commerce platform. They need to query product inventory across multiple regions with low latency. The data is partitioned by product category. Some queries filter on category and price range. What indexing policy should be configured to optimize these queries?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Create a composite index with (category, price).
A composite index on (category, price) (option B) allows efficient range queries on price within a category. Option A uses separate indexes which may require composite index for range. Option C is too broad. Option D is not a valid index type.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Use a wildcard index for all properties.
Why it's wrong here
Wildcard indexes consume more RU/s and may not optimize specific queries.
✓
Create a composite index with (category, price).
Why this is correct
Composite index supports efficient filtering on both fields.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
✗
Add a hash index on category and a range index on price.
Why it's wrong here
Without a composite index, range queries may still be inefficient.
✗
Enable spatial index on price.
Why it's wrong here
Spatial index is for geospatial data, not price.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.
TExam Day Tips
→Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
→Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
→Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A cloud solutions architect for a retail company is evaluating services for a new workload. The correct answer here reflects best practice for the specific scenario described — not a general cloud recommendation. NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated. Cloud exam questions reward reading the constraint carefully: the same technology can be right or wrong depending on the use case.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this AZ-204 question in full detail.
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related AZ-204 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Connect to and consume Azure services and third-party services — This question tests Connect to and consume Azure services and third-party services — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Create a composite index with (category, price). — A composite index on (category, price) (option B) allows efficient range queries on price within a category. Option A uses separate indexes which may require composite index for range. Option C is too broad. Option D is not a valid index type.
What should I do if I get this AZ-204 question wrong?
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related AZ-204 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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Question Discussion
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