- A
Connect the on-premises network to Azure via ExpressRoute private peering and ensure the SQL Managed Instance subnet is reachable.
ExpressRoute private peering provides a private, low-latency connection from on-premises to Azure VNets, allowing direct access to the SQL Managed Instance subnet.
- B
Configure a public endpoint on the SQL Managed Instance and allow the on-premises public IP.
Why wrong: Public endpoint traverses the internet, not private, and may introduce latency.
- C
Use Azure Private Link Service and connect via a VPN.
Why wrong: Private Link is for services behind a standard load balancer, not SQL Managed Instance directly.
- D
Create a site-to-site VPN connection and enable forced tunneling.
Why wrong: VPN adds latency and is not as fast as ExpressRoute; forced tunneling is unnecessary.
Quick Answer
The correct answer is to connect the on-premises network to Azure via ExpressRoute private peering and ensure the SQL Managed Instance subnet is reachable. This works because SQL Managed Instance is deployed in an isolated subnet within a virtual network, and ExpressRoute private peering establishes a dedicated, private Layer 3 connection between your on-premises environment and Azure, bypassing the public internet entirely to deliver minimal latency. On the AZ-500 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of hybrid connectivity and network segmentation for PaaS services, often appearing as a distractor where candidates mistakenly choose a public endpoint with a firewall rule or a VPN gateway. The key trap is forgetting that SQL Managed Instance requires direct subnet routing, not just a private endpoint on a separate subnet. Memory tip: think “ExpressRoute private peering equals private subnet path” — if the MI subnet isn’t routable, the connection fails.
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.
You have an Azure subscription with a virtual network (VNet1) that hosts a SQL Managed Instance. You need to connect from an on-premises application to the SQL Managed Instance using a private IP address, with minimal latency and without traversing the public internet. The on-premises network has a high-speed ExpressRoute connection to Microsoft. What should you configure?
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
Connect the on-premises network to Azure via ExpressRoute private peering and ensure the SQL Managed Instance subnet is reachable.
Option D is correct because SQL Managed Instance is deployed in a dedicated subnet and requires a private endpoint or direct connectivity. ExpressRoute with private peering is the best option for low latency and private connectivity.
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.
- ✓
Connect the on-premises network to Azure via ExpressRoute private peering and ensure the SQL Managed Instance subnet is reachable.
Why this is correct
ExpressRoute private peering provides a private, low-latency connection from on-premises to Azure VNets, allowing direct access to the SQL Managed Instance subnet.
Related concept
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
- ✗
Configure a public endpoint on the SQL Managed Instance and allow the on-premises public IP.
Why it's wrong here
Public endpoint traverses the internet, not private, and may introduce latency.
- ✗
Use Azure Private Link Service and connect via a VPN.
Why it's wrong here
Private Link is for services behind a standard load balancer, not SQL Managed Instance directly.
- ✗
Create a site-to-site VPN connection and enable forced tunneling.
Why it's wrong here
VPN adds latency and is not as fast as ExpressRoute; forced tunneling is unnecessary.
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 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.
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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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: Connect the on-premises network to Azure via ExpressRoute private peering and ensure the SQL Managed Instance subnet is reachable. — Option D is correct because SQL Managed Instance is deployed in a dedicated subnet and requires a private endpoint or direct connectivity. ExpressRoute with private peering is the best option for low latency and private connectivity.
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
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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