The answer is a higher-priority deny rule blocking the traffic. In Azure, network security group rules are evaluated in priority order, with lower numeric values having higher precedence. Even though the exhibit shows a valid inbound allow rule for TCP traffic from VirtualNetwork to the private endpoint IP 10.0.1.4, any existing deny rule with a lower priority number—such as one denying all VirtualNetwork traffic—will override this allow rule, preventing the VM in the same VNet from connecting to the Azure SQL Database. This scenario tests your understanding of NSG rule evaluation and how private endpoints still rely on subnet-level NSGs for traffic filtering, a common trap on the AZ-305 exam where candidates assume a private endpoint bypasses all NSG restrictions. Remember: private endpoints do not ignore NSGs; they are subject to the subnet’s rules, and a single deny rule with priority under 100 can silently block connectivity. Memory tip: “Lower number, higher power—deny wins the hour.”
AZ-305 Design data storage solutions Practice Question
This AZ-305 practice question tests your understanding of design data storage solutions. 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.
Refer to the exhibit. An Azure SQL Database is deployed in a VNet with a private endpoint at IP 10.0.1.4. The network security group rule shown is applied to the subnet of the private endpoint. A developer reports that they cannot connect to the database from a VM in the same VNet. What is the most likely cause?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The rule is being blocked by a higher priority deny rule.
The exhibit shows a valid inbound NSG rule allowing TCP traffic from VirtualNetwork to the private endpoint IP. However, if a higher-priority deny rule exists (e.g., denying all traffic from VirtualNetwork or a specific source), it will override this allow rule. Since the developer cannot connect from a VM in the same VNet, the most likely cause is a conflicting deny rule with a lower priority number (higher priority) blocking the traffic.
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.
✗
The source address prefix is set to VirtualNetwork, which is incorrect.
Why it's wrong here
VirtualNetwork is correct for traffic within the VNet.
The rule is being blocked by a higher priority deny rule.
Why this is correct
A deny rule with lower number (higher priority) may be blocking traffic.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The rule is applied to the wrong direction (outbound instead of inbound).
Why it's wrong here
Direction is inbound.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often assume a correctly configured allow rule guarantees connectivity, forgetting that higher-priority deny rules in the same NSG can silently block traffic.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Azure NSG rules are evaluated in priority order (lowest number first). A deny rule with priority 100 would be evaluated before an allow rule with priority 200, even if the allow rule is more specific. Additionally, Azure SQL Database private endpoints use TCP port 1433, and the connection must traverse the VNet infrastructure; NSG rules on the private endpoint subnet can affect traffic even if the endpoint itself is not a VM.
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
An e-commerce site experiences heavy traffic on Black Friday and near-zero traffic during off-peak weeks. Rather than provisioning permanent large VMs, the team uses auto-scaling groups that add capacity automatically under load and reduce it overnight. Questions like this test whether you understand elasticity, availability zones, and cloud compute scaling patterns.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this AZ-305 question in full detail.
Design data storage solutions — This question tests Design data storage solutions — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The rule is being blocked by a higher priority deny rule. — The exhibit shows a valid inbound NSG rule allowing TCP traffic from VirtualNetwork to the private endpoint IP. However, if a higher-priority deny rule exists (e.g., denying all traffic from VirtualNetwork or a specific source), it will override this allow rule. Since the developer cannot connect from a VM in the same VNet, the most likely cause is a conflicting deny rule with a lower priority number (higher priority) blocking the traffic.
What should I do if I get this AZ-305 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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