Quick Answer
The correct answers are Azure SQL Database and Azure Storage. These two services natively support Azure AD (now Entra ID) authentication for data access, meaning you can authenticate directly using managed identities, service principals, or user identities without relying on keys or tokens. Azure SQL Database allows Entra ID users and groups to connect via contained database users, while Azure Storage supports Entra ID for blobs and queues through role-based access control. On the AZ-305 exam, this question tests your understanding of which Azure data services integrate with Entra ID at the data plane level, a common trap being that Azure Cosmos DB and Azure Cache for Redis rely on keys or tokens instead. Azure Files does support Entra ID for SMB shares, but not for REST-based access, so it is not considered a native data-plane option here. To remember this, think “SQL and Storage are the Entra ID darlings for data access,” while Cosmos and Redis still need keys.
This AZ-305 practice question tests your understanding of design data storage 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.
Which TWO Azure services provide native support for Azure Active Directory (now Entra ID) authentication for accessing data? (Choose two.)
Azure Blob Storage.
Supports Microsoft Entra ID authentication for blobs.
Azure Files (SMB).
Why wrong: Supports Entra ID for SMB but not typically considered primary.
Azure SQL Database.
Supports Microsoft Entra ID authentication.
Azure Cache for Redis.
Why wrong: Uses access keys.
Azure Cosmos DB.
Why wrong: Uses keys or tokens, not native Entra ID.
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 Blob Storage.
Options A and C are correct. Azure SQL Database supports Microsoft Entra ID authentication. Azure Storage supports Microsoft Entra ID authentication for blobs and queues. Option B is wrong because Azure Cosmos DB uses keys or tokens, not native Entra ID. Option D is wrong because Azure Cache for Redis uses access keys. Option E is wrong because Azure Files supports Entra ID for SMB but not for REST; however, the question likely expects storage and SQL. Azure Files does support Entra ID for SMB, so it could be considered, but it's less common. The best answers are SQL and Storage.
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 Blob Storage.
Why this is correct
Supports Microsoft Entra ID authentication for blobs.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
Azure Files (SMB).
Why it's wrong here
Supports Entra ID for SMB but not typically considered primary.
Azure SQL Database.
Why this is correct
Supports Microsoft Entra ID authentication.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
Azure Cache for Redis.
Why it's wrong here
Uses access keys.
Azure Cosmos DB.
Why it's wrong here
Uses keys or tokens, not native Entra ID.
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 data storage solutions — This question tests Design data storage solutions — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
The correct answer is: Azure Blob Storage. — Options A and C are correct. Azure SQL Database supports Microsoft Entra ID authentication. Azure Storage supports Microsoft Entra ID authentication for blobs and queues. Option B is wrong because Azure Cosmos DB uses keys or tokens, not native Entra ID. Option D is wrong because Azure Cache for Redis uses access keys. Option E is wrong because Azure Files supports Entra ID for SMB but not for REST; however, the question likely expects storage and SQL. Azure Files does support Entra ID for SMB, so it could be considered, but it's less common. The best answers are SQL and Storage.
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.
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Last reviewed: Jun 20, 2026
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