- A
Configure a DNS forwarder on-premises to forward the private link domain to Azure DNS.
On-premises DNS must be able to resolve the private endpoint's FQDN to its private IP. Forwarding the privatelink domain to Azure DNS (or a custom resolver) achieves this.
- B
Configure a network security group to allow inbound traffic from on-premises to the private endpoint.
Why wrong: NSGs are not needed for private endpoint connectivity; the endpoint itself handles network policy.
- C
Deploy a VPN gateway in the hub VNet for additional encryption.
Why wrong: ExpressRoute already provides a private connection; VPN is unnecessary and does not solve DNS resolution.
- D
Add a public DNS record for the SQL Database pointing to the private endpoint IP.
Why wrong: Public DNS records would expose the private IP publicly and defeat the purpose of private endpoint.
Quick Answer
The correct answer is to configure a DNS forwarder on-premises to forward the private link domain to Azure DNS. This is necessary because Azure Private Endpoint assigns a private IP address to the Azure SQL Database within the hub virtual network, but on-premises clients use their own DNS servers that do not inherently know this private IP. By setting up a DNS forwarder on-premises, queries for the privatelink.database.windows.net domain are sent to Azure DNS, which resolves the private IP from the Private DNS zone linked to the hub VNet, ensuring seamless name resolution over ExpressRoute. On the AZ-500 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of hybrid network DNS integration, often appearing in questions about securing PaaS services with Private Endpoints. A common trap is assuming that simply deploying the endpoint is enough, but DNS resolution is a separate, critical step. Remember the mnemonic: “Private Endpoint, Public DNS? Forward to Azure to impress.”
AZ-500 Secure networking Practice Question
This AZ-500 practice question tests your understanding of secure networking. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 use Azure Private Endpoint to securely connect to an Azure SQL Database from an on-premises network via ExpressRoute. The private endpoint is deployed in a hub virtual network. The on-premises network is connected to the hub via ExpressRoute. What additional configuration is needed to ensure on-premises clients can resolve the private endpoint's DNS name?
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
Configure a DNS forwarder on-premises to forward the private link domain to Azure DNS.
Private endpoints require DNS configuration to resolve the private IP address. Azure Private DNS zones can be linked to the hub VNet, and on-premises DNS servers must forward queries for the private endpoint's domain (e.g., privatelink.database.windows.net) to Azure or use a custom DNS server that resolves the private IP.
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 a DNS forwarder on-premises to forward the private link domain to Azure DNS.
Why this is correct
On-premises DNS must be able to resolve the private endpoint's FQDN to its private IP. Forwarding the privatelink domain to Azure DNS (or a custom resolver) achieves this.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Configure a network security group to allow inbound traffic from on-premises to the private endpoint.
Why it's wrong here
NSGs are not needed for private endpoint connectivity; the endpoint itself handles network policy.
- ✗
Deploy a VPN gateway in the hub VNet for additional encryption.
- ✗
Add a public DNS record for the SQL Database pointing to the private endpoint IP.
Why it's wrong here
Public DNS records would expose the private IP publicly and defeat the purpose of private endpoint.
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-500 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.
- →
Secure networking — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
Secure networking practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
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All AZ-500 questions
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Microsoft Azure Security Engineer Associate AZ-500 study guide
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AZ-500 practice test guide
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this AZ-500 question test?
Secure networking — This question tests Secure networking — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Configure a DNS forwarder on-premises to forward the private link domain to Azure DNS. — Private endpoints require DNS configuration to resolve the private IP address. Azure Private DNS zones can be linked to the hub VNet, and on-premises DNS servers must forward queries for the private endpoint's domain (e.g., privatelink.database.windows.net) to Azure or use a custom DNS server that resolves the private IP.
What should I do if I get this AZ-500 question wrong?
Identify which AZ-500 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.
About these practice questions
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Last reviewed: Jun 20, 2026
This AZ-500 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-500 exam.
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