- A
Set up a site-to-site VPN gateway
Why wrong: A site-to-site VPN provides network connectivity between on-premises and Azure, but it does not directly improve the reliability of the data transfer pipeline. The pipeline still relies on an integration runtime, and without a high-availability SHIR, connectivity errors can still occur.
- B
Deploy a self-hosted IR with high availability on two nodes
Deploying a self-hosted IR with high availability on two nodes provides redundancy and load balancing, ensuring that if one node fails, the other can take over, minimizing the impact of network connectivity errors.
- C
Stage data in Azure Blob Storage using sharded files
Why wrong: Staging data in Azure Blob Storage using sharded files is a technique to improve parallel loading performance, but it does not address intermittent network connectivity issues during the initial data transfer from on-premises.
- D
Use an Azure Integration Runtime instead
Why wrong: The Azure Integration Runtime cannot access on-premises networks directly, so it is not suitable for this scenario. A self-hosted IR is required.
DP-203 Self-hosted Integration Runtime Practice Question
This DP-203 practice question tests your understanding of secure, monitor, and optimize data storage and data processing. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. A key principle to apply: self-hosted Integration Runtime. 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 Data Factory pipeline that loads data from an on-premises SQL Server to Azure Synapse Analytics. The pipeline fails intermittently with network connectivity errors. You need to ensure reliable data transfer with minimal latency. Which solution should you recommend?
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
Deploy a self-hosted IR with high availability on two nodes
A self-hosted integration runtime (SHIR) is required for on-premises data sources. To improve reliability, a high-availability SHIR with two or more nodes provides redundancy and load balancing. Option A is incorrect because a site-to-site VPN provides network connectivity but does not directly improve the reliability of the data transfer pipeline; the IR component is still needed. Option C is incorrect because staging data in Blob Storage with sharded files is a performance optimization for parallel loading, but it does not address intermittent network connectivity issues. Option D is incorrect because the Azure Integration Runtime cannot access on-premises networks directly.
Key principle: Self-hosted Integration Runtime
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Set up a site-to-site VPN gateway
Why it's wrong here
A site-to-site VPN provides network connectivity between on-premises and Azure, but it does not directly improve the reliability of the data transfer pipeline. The pipeline still relies on an integration runtime, and without a high-availability SHIR, connectivity errors can still occur.
- ✓
Deploy a self-hosted IR with high availability on two nodes
Why this is correct
Deploying a self-hosted IR with high availability on two nodes provides redundancy and load balancing, ensuring that if one node fails, the other can take over, minimizing the impact of network connectivity errors.
Related concept
Self-hosted Integration Runtime
- ✗
Stage data in Azure Blob Storage using sharded files
Why it's wrong here
Staging data in Azure Blob Storage using sharded files is a technique to improve parallel loading performance, but it does not address intermittent network connectivity issues during the initial data transfer from on-premises.
- ✗
Use an Azure Integration Runtime instead
Why it's wrong here
The Azure Integration Runtime cannot access on-premises networks directly, so it is not suitable for this scenario. A self-hosted IR is required.
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.
Trap categories for this question
Scenario analysis trap
The Azure Integration Runtime cannot access on-premises networks directly, so it is not suitable for this scenario. A self-hosted IR is required.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Treat this as a scenario question. Identify the problem, the constraint, and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Self-hosted Integration Runtime
- High Availability
TExam Day Tips
- 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
Self-hosted Integration Runtime
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
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
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review self-hosted Integration Runtime, then practise related DP-203 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this DP-203 question test?
Secure, monitor, and optimize data storage and data processing — This question tests Secure, monitor, and optimize data storage and data processing — Self-hosted Integration Runtime.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Deploy a self-hosted IR with high availability on two nodes — A self-hosted integration runtime (SHIR) is required for on-premises data sources. To improve reliability, a high-availability SHIR with two or more nodes provides redundancy and load balancing. Option A is incorrect because a site-to-site VPN provides network connectivity but does not directly improve the reliability of the data transfer pipeline; the IR component is still needed. Option C is incorrect because staging data in Blob Storage with sharded files is a performance optimization for parallel loading, but it does not address intermittent network connectivity issues. Option D is incorrect because the Azure Integration Runtime cannot access on-premises networks directly.
What should I do if I get this DP-203 question wrong?
Review self-hosted Integration Runtime, then practise related DP-203 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Self-hosted Integration Runtime
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Last reviewed: Jun 21, 2026
This DP-203 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 DP-203 exam.
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