- A
Use Azure ExpressRoute to connect the on-premises network to Azure, then use an Azure Integration Runtime with a VNet injection.
Why wrong: ExpressRoute provides connectivity but not authentication.
- B
Set up a point-to-site VPN from Azure to on-premises and use an Azure Integration Runtime with a VNet integration.
Why wrong: VPN adds complexity and doesn't use managed identity.
- C
Install a Self-hosted Integration Runtime on an on-premises VM, register it with Azure Data Factory using managed identity, and configure the pipeline to use this IR for the SQL Server connection.
Uses private network and port 443 for communication.
- D
Use an Azure Integration Runtime with a public endpoint and configure a firewall rule to allow the Azure IR IP addresses.
Why wrong: On-premises SQL Server is not accessible via public endpoint.
Quick Answer
The correct choice is to install a self-hosted integration runtime on an on-premises VM, register it with Azure Data Factory using managed identity, and configure the pipeline to use this IR for the SQL Server connection. This works because the self-hosted integration runtime runs inside your private network, allowing it to connect directly to the on-premises SQL Server without requiring a public endpoint, while all outbound communication to Azure Data Factory occurs over port 443, satisfying the firewall restriction. Managed identity provides a secure, password-free authentication method by linking the IR to an Azure AD identity, eliminating the need for stored credentials. On the DP-203 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of hybrid connectivity patterns and the specific role of self-hosted IR when Azure IR cannot reach private resources. A common trap is choosing Azure IR or VPN Gateway, but remember: no public endpoint means you need a compute agent inside the network. Memory tip: “Self-hosted for private SQL, port 443 out, managed ID for no secrets.”
DP-203 Practice Question: Secure, monitor, and optimize data storage and data processing
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. 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.
Your company uses Azure Data Factory to orchestrate data pipelines that ingest data from on-premises SQL Server to Azure Data Lake Storage Gen2. The network team has implemented a firewall that only allows outbound traffic on port 443. The on-premises SQL Server is not accessible via public endpoint. You need to configure a secure connection that complies with the firewall rules and uses managed identity for authentication. What should you use?
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
Install a Self-hosted Integration Runtime on an on-premises VM, register it with Azure Data Factory using managed identity, and configure the pipeline to use this IR for the SQL Server connection.
Option B is correct: A self-hosted integration runtime (IR) installed on-premises with managed identity can connect to SQL Server using private network, then communicate with Azure Data Factory over port 443. Option A is incorrect: Azure IR cannot connect to on-premises SQL Server without a public endpoint. Option C is incorrect: Azure VPN Gateway requires additional network configuration and doesn't use managed identity. Option D is incorrect: ExpressRoute is a private connection but doesn't address authentication.
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.
- ✗
Use Azure ExpressRoute to connect the on-premises network to Azure, then use an Azure Integration Runtime with a VNet injection.
Why it's wrong here
ExpressRoute provides connectivity but not authentication.
- ✗
Set up a point-to-site VPN from Azure to on-premises and use an Azure Integration Runtime with a VNet integration.
Why it's wrong here
VPN adds complexity and doesn't use managed identity.
- ✓
Install a Self-hosted Integration Runtime on an on-premises VM, register it with Azure Data Factory using managed identity, and configure the pipeline to use this IR for the SQL Server connection.
Why this is correct
Uses private network and port 443 for communication.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Use an Azure Integration Runtime with a public endpoint and configure a firewall rule to allow the Azure IR IP addresses.
Why it's wrong here
On-premises SQL Server is not accessible via public endpoint.
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.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
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.
- Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
- Underline the problem statement mentally.
- 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.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which DP-203 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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Secure, monitor, and optimize data storage and data processing — study guide chapter
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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 — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Install a Self-hosted Integration Runtime on an on-premises VM, register it with Azure Data Factory using managed identity, and configure the pipeline to use this IR for the SQL Server connection. — Option B is correct: A self-hosted integration runtime (IR) installed on-premises with managed identity can connect to SQL Server using private network, then communicate with Azure Data Factory over port 443. Option A is incorrect: Azure IR cannot connect to on-premises SQL Server without a public endpoint. Option C is incorrect: Azure VPN Gateway requires additional network configuration and doesn't use managed identity. Option D is incorrect: ExpressRoute is a private connection but doesn't address authentication.
What should I do if I get this DP-203 question wrong?
Identify which DP-203 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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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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