The answer is a change in the on-premises network configuration. This is the most likely cause because a Self-Hosted Integration Runtime (IR) that has been running successfully for months relies on stable network paths to its on-premises data source; any alteration to firewall rules, DNS settings, or port availability on the local network can instantly block outbound traffic from the IR machine to the SQL Server, resulting in a connection timeout. On the DP-203 exam, this scenario tests your understanding that the Self-Hosted IR is a bridge between on-premises and Azure, and that timeouts almost always point to network or firewall changes rather than credential or installation issues—a common trap is to suspect the destination storage account or reinstall the IR. Remember the memory tip: “Network first, credentials last” when troubleshooting a previously working Self-Hosted IR timeout.
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 are troubleshooting a failed Azure Synapse Pipeline execution. The pipeline uses a Copy activity to load data from an on-premises SQL Server to Azure Data Lake Storage Gen2. The error indicates a 'Connection timeout' to the on-premises source. The Integration Runtime is Self-Hosted and has been running successfully for months. 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
✓
The on-premises network configuration has changed.
Option B is correct because a change in the on-premises network configuration (e.g., firewall rules, DNS) could block the Integration Runtime from reaching the SQL Server. Option A is wrong because the Integration Runtime was running, so installation is not the issue. Option C is wrong because the storage account is the destination, not the source. Option D is wrong because the Integration Runtime was successful before, so credentials are likely valid.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
The SQL Server authentication credentials have expired.
Why it's wrong here
Unlikely if the pipeline was working recently; network issue is more probable.
✗
The Self-Hosted Integration Runtime is not installed.
Why it's wrong here
It has been running for months, so it is installed.
✓
The on-premises network configuration has changed.
Why this is correct
Network changes can block connectivity to the SQL Server.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
✗
The Azure Storage account firewall is blocking access.
Why it's wrong here
The error is about the source connection, not destination.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.
TExam Day Tips
→Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
→Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
→Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
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.
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related DP-203 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Develop data processing — This question tests Develop data processing — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The on-premises network configuration has changed. — Option B is correct because a change in the on-premises network configuration (e.g., firewall rules, DNS) could block the Integration Runtime from reaching the SQL Server. Option A is wrong because the Integration Runtime was running, so installation is not the issue. Option C is wrong because the storage account is the destination, not the source. Option D is wrong because the Integration Runtime was successful before, so credentials are likely valid.
What should I do if I get this DP-203 question wrong?
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related DP-203 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
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?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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