- A
Deploy the application in one region and Azure SQL Database in a different region, using Azure Traffic Manager.
Why wrong: Cross-region deployment increases latency due to geographical distance.
- B
Deploy the application on-premises and use a Point-to-Site VPN to connect to Azure SQL Database.
Why wrong: Point-to-Site VPN is for individual client connectivity, not for production workloads, and adds latency and complexity.
- C
Deploy the application and Azure SQL Database in the same Azure region, and connect via Azure Private Link.
Same region ensures low latency; Private Link provides private connectivity within Azure backbone.
- D
Deploy the application on-premises and use ExpressRoute to connect to Azure SQL Database.
Why wrong: ExpressRoute provides reliable connection but still introduces latency from on-premises to Azure, and the question requires migration to Azure.
Quick Answer
The best design to minimize latency to Azure SQL Database is to deploy the application and the database in the same Azure region and connect them via Azure Private Link. This keeps all traffic within the Microsoft backbone network, avoiding the public internet and reducing network hops, which directly addresses the need for low latency to Azure SQL Database. On the AZ-305 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of network path optimization and private connectivity options; a common trap is choosing ExpressRoute, which actually introduces extra latency due to additional routing through your on-premises edge, or selecting different regions, which adds geographic distance. Remember that for lowest latency, you want the shortest, most direct private path—same region plus Private Link achieves this by creating a private endpoint inside your virtual network. A helpful memory tip: “Same region, private connection—latency gets no reflection.”
AZ-305 Design infrastructure solutions Practice Question
This AZ-305 practice question tests your understanding of design infrastructure solutions. 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 company plans to migrate an on-premises application with strict low-latency requirements to Azure. The application must communicate with an Azure SQL Database. Which of the following is the best design to minimize latency?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"best"Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
Clue:
"minimum / minimize"Why it matters: Asks for the least resource use — fewest addresses, smallest subnet, lowest overhead. Eliminate over-provisioned options even if they would technically work.
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
Deploy the application and Azure SQL Database in the same Azure region, and connect via Azure Private Link.
Option A is correct because deploying in the same region and using Azure Private Link for a private connection keeps traffic within the Microsoft backbone, minimizing latency. Option B is wrong because ExpressRoute adds extra latency. Option C is wrong because different regions increase latency. Option D is wrong because Point-to-Site VPN is not suitable for production applications and adds latency.
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.
- ✗
Deploy the application in one region and Azure SQL Database in a different region, using Azure Traffic Manager.
Why it's wrong here
Cross-region deployment increases latency due to geographical distance.
- ✗
Deploy the application on-premises and use a Point-to-Site VPN to connect to Azure SQL Database.
Why it's wrong here
Point-to-Site VPN is for individual client connectivity, not for production workloads, and adds latency and complexity.
- ✓
Deploy the application and Azure SQL Database in the same Azure region, and connect via Azure Private Link.
Why this is correct
Same region ensures low latency; Private Link provides private connectivity within Azure backbone.
Clue confirmation
The clue words "best", "minimum / minimize" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Deploy the application on-premises and use ExpressRoute to connect to Azure SQL Database.
Why it's wrong here
ExpressRoute provides reliable connection but still introduces latency from on-premises to Azure, and the question requires migration to Azure.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
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.
- Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
- Underline the problem statement mentally.
- 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 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. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Cloud exam questions reward reading the constraint carefully: the same technology can be right or wrong depending on the use case.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which AZ-305 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
- →
Design infrastructure solutions — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
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Design infrastructure solutions practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this AZ-305 question test?
Design infrastructure solutions — This question tests Design infrastructure solutions — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Deploy the application and Azure SQL Database in the same Azure region, and connect via Azure Private Link. — Option A is correct because deploying in the same region and using Azure Private Link for a private connection keeps traffic within the Microsoft backbone, minimizing latency. Option B is wrong because ExpressRoute adds extra latency. Option C is wrong because different regions increase latency. Option D is wrong because Point-to-Site VPN is not suitable for production applications and adds latency.
What should I do if I get this AZ-305 question wrong?
Identify which AZ-305 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "best", "minimum / minimize". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
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 20, 2026
This AZ-305 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-305 exam.
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