- A
Use a network virtual appliance (NVA) for outbound inspection and configure RDP access via a jump box.
Why wrong: NVA adds unnecessary cost and management overhead.
- B
Create an NSG for the Frontend subnet with an inbound rule allowing RDP from 203.0.113.0/24, and a default deny for outbound. Then create an NSG for the Backend subnet with a default deny outbound rule.
NSGs can control inbound and outbound traffic at the subnet level.
- C
Create a site-to-site VPN from the IT department to Azure and use Azure Bastion for RDP access.
Why wrong: VPN and Bastion are overkill for a simple IP restriction.
- D
Deploy Azure Firewall in the virtual network and configure DNAT rules for RDP and outbound rules for internet access.
Why wrong: Azure Firewall is more expensive and complex than needed.
Quick Answer
The answer is to create an NSG for the Frontend subnet with an inbound rule allowing RDP from 203.0.113.0/24 and a default deny for outbound, then create an NSG for the Backend subnet with a default deny outbound rule. This works because NSG rules for subnet isolation allow granular traffic control at the subnet level: the Frontend subnet’s implicit outbound internet rule permits web servers to download updates, while the explicit inbound RDP rule restricts remote administration to the IT department’s public IP range. The Backend subnet’s default deny outbound rule blocks all internet access for database servers, meeting the requirement without overcomplicating the architecture. On the AZ-500 exam, this scenario tests your ability to choose the simplest Azure-native solution for network segmentation, often tempting candidates with Azure Firewall or NVAs when a basic NSG suffices. A common trap is forgetting that NSGs have an implicit allow for outbound internet traffic unless overridden by a higher-priority deny rule. Memory tip: “Frontend gets RDP-in and internet-out; Backend gets nothing out—NSGs keep it simple.”
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 small business has a single Azure subscription with one virtual network containing two subnets: 'Frontend' for web servers and 'Backend' for database servers. The web servers need to access the internet to download updates, but the database servers must not have any outbound internet access. The business also needs to allow remote administration of the web servers from the internet via RDP (port 3389) but only from the IT department's public IP range (203.0.113.0/24). You need to configure network security to meet these requirements using Azure-native services. What should you do?
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
Create an NSG for the Frontend subnet with an inbound rule allowing RDP from 203.0.113.0/24, and a default deny for outbound. Then create an NSG for the Backend subnet with a default deny outbound rule.
Option A is correct because an NSG on the Frontend subnet can allow outbound internet (implicit allow) and restrict inbound RDP to the IT IP range. Another NSG on the Backend subnet can deny all outbound internet. Option B is wrong because Azure Firewall is overkill for this simple scenario. Option C is wrong because network virtual appliances add complexity. Option D is wrong because a VPN does not provide outbound internet control.
Key principle: Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Use a network virtual appliance (NVA) for outbound inspection and configure RDP access via a jump box.
Why it's wrong here
NVA adds unnecessary cost and management overhead.
- ✓
Create an NSG for the Frontend subnet with an inbound rule allowing RDP from 203.0.113.0/24, and a default deny for outbound. Then create an NSG for the Backend subnet with a default deny outbound rule.
Why this is correct
NSGs can control inbound and outbound traffic at the subnet level.
Related concept
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
- ✗
Create a site-to-site VPN from the IT department to Azure and use Azure Bastion for RDP access.
Why it's wrong here
VPN and Bastion are overkill for a simple IP restriction.
- ✗
Deploy Azure Firewall in the virtual network and configure DNAT rules for RDP and outbound rules for internet access.
Why it's wrong here
Azure Firewall is more expensive and complex than needed.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: usable hosts are not the same as total addresses
Subnetting questions often tempt you into counting all addresses. In normal IPv4 subnets, the network and broadcast addresses are not usable host addresses.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Subnetting questions test whether you can identify the network, broadcast address, usable range, mask and correct subnet. Slow down enough to calculate the block size correctly.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
- Block size helps identify subnet boundaries.
- Network and broadcast addresses are not usable hosts in normal IPv4 subnets.
- The required host count determines the smallest suitable subnet.
TExam Day Tips
- Write the block size before choosing the subnet.
- Check whether the question asks for hosts, subnets or a specific address range.
- Do not confuse /24, /25, /26 and /27 host counts.
Key takeaway
Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A company's IT admin needs to give a contractor read-only access to production logs without sharing account credentials. Using role-based access control (RBAC) and temporary scoped permissions — not a permanent shared password — is the correct pattern. Questions like this test whether you can apply least-privilege access across cloud identity services.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related AZ-500 subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
- →
Secure networking — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
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Targeted practice on this topic area only
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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 — CIDR notation defines the prefix length..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Create an NSG for the Frontend subnet with an inbound rule allowing RDP from 203.0.113.0/24, and a default deny for outbound. Then create an NSG for the Backend subnet with a default deny outbound rule. — Option A is correct because an NSG on the Frontend subnet can allow outbound internet (implicit allow) and restrict inbound RDP to the IT IP range. Another NSG on the Backend subnet can deny all outbound internet. Option B is wrong because Azure Firewall is overkill for this simple scenario. Option C is wrong because network virtual appliances add complexity. Option D is wrong because a VPN does not provide outbound internet control.
What should I do if I get this AZ-500 question wrong?
Review block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related AZ-500 subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
What is the key concept behind this question?
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
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Last reviewed: Jun 20, 2026
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