The answer is a firewall rule on the on-premises SQL Server blocking the self-hosted integration runtime. This is because the SHIR communicates with SQL Server over TCP port 1433 by default, and a recent network security update likely introduced a firewall restriction that blocks this port or the SHIR’s IP address, breaking the connection that previously worked. On the DP-203 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of how self-hosted integration runtime connectivity depends on open network ports and firewall rules, often appearing as a troubleshooting question where the trap is to blame Azure-side components like the Data Factory service or blob storage. A common memory tip is to think “SHIR = SQL port 1433” and remember that after any on-premises network change, always check the firewall first.
DP-203 Develop data processing Practice Question
This DP-203 practice question tests your understanding of develop data processing. 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 have an Azure Data Factory pipeline that copies data from an on-premises SQL Server to Azure Blob Storage. The pipeline uses a self-hosted integration runtime and runs successfully during business hours. However, after a recent network security update, the pipeline fails with a connection error to the on-premises SQL Server. What is the most likely cause?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
A firewall rule on the on-premises SQL Server is blocking the self-hosted integration runtime.
The self-hosted integration runtime (SHIR) connects to on-premises SQL Server via TCP port 1433 by default. A recent network security update likely added a firewall rule on the SQL Server or the on-premises network that blocks outbound or inbound traffic on this port, preventing the SHIR from establishing a connection. Since the pipeline ran successfully before the update, the most probable cause is a new firewall restriction targeting the SHIR's IP address or subnet.
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.
✓
A firewall rule on the on-premises SQL Server is blocking the self-hosted integration runtime.
Why this is correct
Network security updates often change firewall rules, blocking the IR.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The Azure Blob Storage account has been moved to a different subscription.
Why it's wrong here
Moving storage would cause authentication errors, not connection to SQL Server.
✗
The self-hosted integration runtime node has been de-registered from Azure Data Factory.
Why it's wrong here
De-registration would cause a different error.
✗
The blob container has reached its maximum capacity.
Why it's wrong here
Capacity limits would cause write errors, not connection errors.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates may confuse a source-side connectivity failure with a sink-side or authentication issue, but the question explicitly states a 'connection error to the on-premises SQL Server,' which points directly to network or firewall blocking at the source, not to storage capacity or SHIR registration status.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The SHIR uses a pull model where Azure Data Factory signals the SHIR to execute activities; the SHIR then connects directly to the on-premises SQL Server using the SQL Server Native Client (SNAC) over TCP. Firewall rules on the SQL Server can be configured via Windows Firewall with Advanced Security or SQL Server Configuration Manager, and a common mistake is to block the SHIR's IP address range after a security patch. In real-world scenarios, network security updates often enable 'Windows Defender Firewall' rules that restrict inbound connections to SQL Server, requiring explicit allow rules for the SHIR's IP.
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.
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
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 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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this DP-203 question in full detail.
Develop data processing — This question tests Develop data processing — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: A firewall rule on the on-premises SQL Server is blocking the self-hosted integration runtime. — The self-hosted integration runtime (SHIR) connects to on-premises SQL Server via TCP port 1433 by default. A recent network security update likely added a firewall rule on the SQL Server or the on-premises network that blocks outbound or inbound traffic on this port, preventing the SHIR from establishing a connection. Since the pipeline ran successfully before the update, the most probable cause is a new firewall restriction targeting the SHIR's IP address or subnet.
What should I do if I get this DP-203 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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