- A
Configure Azure Traffic Manager with a priority routing method to direct traffic to ExpressRoute first.
Why wrong: Traffic Manager is for DNS-level traffic routing, not for network-level failover between ExpressRoute and VPN.
- B
Ensure the ExpressRoute connection has a lower BGP metric than the VPN connection; Azure automatically prefers lower metric.
ExpressRoute typically advertises routes with a lower metric, ensuring it is preferred. On failure, VPN routes are used.
- C
Set the BGP metrics (local preference) on the ExpressRoute connection to be higher than the VPN connection.
Why wrong: Higher metric means less preferred; ExpressRoute should have lower metric to be preferred.
- D
Configure Azure Route Server to propagate routes with a lower metric for the VPN connection.
Why wrong: Azure Route Server is not needed; BGP metrics are configured on the connections themselves.
Quick Answer
The correct choice is to ensure the ExpressRoute connection has a lower BGP metric than the VPN connection, because Azure automatically prefers the route with the lowest metric. This works because BGP metrics (also known as multi-exit discriminators) allow you to assign preference to specific paths; ExpressRoute routes have a lower metric by default, making them the primary path, while the VPN routes with a higher metric serve as the backup. On the AZ-305 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of hybrid networking redundancy and BGP routing behavior, often appearing as a trap where candidates mistakenly think Azure Route Server or location-based routing handles failover. A common mistake is setting a higher metric on ExpressRoute, which would make the VPN preferred, defeating the failover purpose. Remember the memory tip: "Low metric, high priority"—just like a low score in golf wins, a lower BGP metric wins the routing decision.
AZ-305 Design infrastructure solutions Practice Question
This AZ-305 practice question tests your understanding of design infrastructure 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.
You are designing a connectivity solution for a hybrid network. The company has an on-premises network connected to an Azure virtual network via ExpressRoute. They also have a site-to-site VPN to the same Azure virtual network as a backup. When the ExpressRoute connection fails, traffic should automatically fail over to the VPN. How should you configure the routes to ensure automatic failover?
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
Ensure the ExpressRoute connection has a lower BGP metric than the VPN connection; Azure automatically prefers lower metric.
Option C is correct because ExpressRoute routes have lower metric (higher preference) by default, so they are preferred. When ExpressRoute fails, the VPN routes with higher metric are used. Option A is wrong because BGP metrics are used, not Azure Route Server. Option B is wrong because higher metric for ExpressRoute would make VPN preferred. Option D is wrong because location-based routing is not used for failover.
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.
- ✗
Configure Azure Traffic Manager with a priority routing method to direct traffic to ExpressRoute first.
- ✓
Ensure the ExpressRoute connection has a lower BGP metric than the VPN connection; Azure automatically prefers lower metric.
- ✗
Set the BGP metrics (local preference) on the ExpressRoute connection to be higher than the VPN connection.
Why it's wrong here
Higher metric means less preferred; ExpressRoute should have lower metric to be preferred.
- ✗
Configure Azure Route Server to propagate routes with a lower metric for the VPN connection.
Why it's wrong here
Azure Route Server is not needed; BGP metrics are configured on the connections themselves.
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 healthcare organisation deploys an application with a public-facing web tier and a private database tier. The database subnet has no public IP and only accepts connections from the web tier's security group. Questions like this test whether you can design cloud network isolation using VNets/VPCs, subnets, and security group rules.
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
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Design infrastructure solutions practice questions
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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: Ensure the ExpressRoute connection has a lower BGP metric than the VPN connection; Azure automatically prefers lower metric. — Option C is correct because ExpressRoute routes have lower metric (higher preference) by default, so they are preferred. When ExpressRoute fails, the VPN routes with higher metric are used. Option A is wrong because BGP metrics are used, not Azure Route Server. Option B is wrong because higher metric for ExpressRoute would make VPN preferred. Option D is wrong because location-based routing is not used for failover.
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 20, 2026
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