Quick Answer
The correct answer is Azure Files (premium tier) because it delivers a fully managed SMB file share backed by premium SSD storage, providing the low-latency access and high availability within a single Azure region that legacy applications require without any code modifications. This service supports the SMB protocol natively, making it a direct lift-and-shift target for on-premises file shares, whereas Azure NetApp Files, though SMB-capable, introduces unnecessary cost and complexity for this scenario, and Azure Blob Storage lacks native SMB support entirely. On the AZ-305 exam, this question tests your ability to match workload requirements—specifically, low-latency SMB access and no application changes—to the correct storage solution, with a common trap being to over-engineer with NetApp Files when premium Azure Files suffices. Remember the memory tip: for legacy SMB migration, think “Premium Files, no refiles”—meaning you keep the same protocol and avoid re-architecting the app.
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.
Your company is migrating a legacy on-premises application to Azure. The application requires low-latency access to a shared file system that supports SMB protocol. The solution must be highly available within a single Azure region and must not require the application to be modified. Which Azure service should you recommend?
Azure Managed Disks (SSD)
Why wrong: Block storage, not file share.
Azure NetApp Files
Why wrong: Supports SMB but higher cost and complexity.
Azure Files (premium tier)
Managed SMB file share with low latency and high availability.
Azure Blob Storage
Why wrong: Does not support SMB protocol.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Azure Files (premium tier)
Option C is correct because Azure Files with premium SSD (SMB) provides a fully managed SMB file share with low latency and high availability. Option A is wrong because Azure NetApp Files supports SMB but is more expensive and complex for this use case. Option B is wrong because Azure Blob Storage does not support SMB natively. Option D is wrong because Azure Managed Disks are block storage, not file shares.
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
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Azure Managed Disks (SSD)
Why it's wrong here
Block storage, not file share.
Azure NetApp Files
Why it's wrong here
Supports SMB but higher cost and complexity.
Azure Files (premium tier)
Why this is correct
Managed SMB file share with low latency and high availability.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
Azure Blob Storage
Why it's wrong here
Does not support SMB protocol.
Common exam traps
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
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.
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
A media company stores terabytes of video archives that are accessed once a year for audit purposes. Moving these objects to a cold storage tier (Azure Archive, S3 Glacier, or Google Nearline) costs a fraction of hot storage. Questions like this test whether you understand storage tiers, access frequency tradeoffs, and retrieval latency requirements.
What to study next
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-305 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
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FAQ
Design infrastructure solutions — This question tests Design infrastructure solutions — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
The correct answer is: Azure Files (premium tier) — Option C is correct because Azure Files with premium SSD (SMB) provides a fully managed SMB file share with low latency and high availability. Option A is wrong because Azure NetApp Files supports SMB but is more expensive and complex for this use case. Option B is wrong because Azure Blob Storage does not support SMB natively. Option D is wrong because Azure Managed Disks are block storage, not file shares.
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-305 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
About these practice questions
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Same concept, more angles
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. Your company is migrating a legacy application to Azure. The application uses a proprietary database that requires file-level access to data files. You need to minimize changes to the application. Which Azure storage solution should you recommend?
mediumWhy A: Option A is incorrect because Azure Blob Storage does not provide file-level access. Option B is correct because Azure Files provides SMB file shares that can be mounted with file-level access. Option C is incorrect because Azure NetApp Files provides high-performance file shares but is overkill and more expensive. Option D is incorrect because Azure Disk Storage provides block-level access, not file-level.
Variation 2. Your company plans to migrate an on-premises application to Azure. The application requires low-latency access to a shared file system that supports SMB protocol. Which Azure storage solution should you recommend?
easyWhy C: Option B is correct because Azure Files supports SMB protocol and can be used as a shared file system with low-latency access when deployed in the same region. Option A is wrong because Blob Storage does not support SMB natively. Option C is wrong because Disk Storage is block-level and not shared. Option D is wrong because Queue Storage is for messaging.
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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