The correct answer is to implement caching of API responses using Azure Cache for Redis and to use async/await for the external API calls. Caching reduces redundant network requests by storing frequently accessed external API data in memory, which dramatically cuts latency and backend load. Async/await improves performance by freeing up worker threads while waiting for I/O-bound operations, allowing the web app to handle more concurrent requests without blocking. On the AZ-204 exam, this tests your understanding of optimizing Azure App Service performance through scalable patterns, often appearing in scenario-based questions where you must distinguish between scaling up (adding instances) and scaling out (improving code efficiency). A common trap is choosing to increase instance count, which addresses throughput but not per-request latency, or making multiple API calls per request, which worsens performance. Remember the mnemonic “Cache and Async: Cut Calls, Free Threads” to recall the two targeted improvements for external API bottlenecks.
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. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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.
Which TWO actions can you take to improve the performance of an Azure App Service web app that makes calls to an external API? (Choose two.)
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Use async/await patterns in the code to avoid blocking threads.
Options B and D are correct. Caching responses reduces redundant calls, and using async/await frees up threads. Option A is wrong because increasing instance count adds cost but may not improve per-request latency. Option C is wrong because multiple API calls per request increase latency. Option E is wrong because keeping a persistent connection may help but is not a direct performance improvement for the described issue.
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 connection pool to reuse connections to the API.
Why it's wrong here
Connection pooling is good but not the best option among these.
✗
Send multiple requests in parallel to the API.
Why it's wrong here
Parallel requests may increase concurrency but not necessarily improve performance.
✗
Scale out the App Service to more instances.
Why it's wrong here
Scaling out improves throughput, not latency per request.
✓
Use async/await patterns in the code to avoid blocking threads.
Why this is correct
Async/await improves scalability and responsiveness.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
✓
Implement caching of API responses using Azure Cache for Redis.
Why this is correct
Caching reduces latency and load on the API.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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 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.
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: Use async/await patterns in the code to avoid blocking threads. — Options B and D are correct. Caching responses reduces redundant calls, and using async/await frees up threads. Option A is wrong because increasing instance count adds cost but may not improve per-request latency. Option C is wrong because multiple API calls per request increase latency. Option E is wrong because keeping a persistent connection may help but is not a direct performance improvement for the described issue.
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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