Quick Answer
The correct answer is to create a firewall rule with a Start IP of 192.168.1.0 and an End IP of 192.168.1.255. This is because Azure SQL Database firewall rules do not support CIDR notation like /24; instead, they require a contiguous range defined by a start and end IP address, and this specific range exactly covers the 192.168.1.0/24 subnet, allowing every host from .1 to .254 plus the network and broadcast addresses to connect. On the Microsoft Azure Database Administrator Associate DP-300 exam, this concept tests your understanding of how to translate subnet masks into Azure’s flat IP range model, and a common trap is trying to enter a single IP or a CIDR block directly into the rule fields. Remember the memory tip: “Azure wants the bookends, not the slash”—always provide the first and last IP of the subnet to define the range.
This DP-300 practice question tests your understanding of implement a secure environment. 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 are configuring Azure SQL Database firewall rules. You need to allow a range of IP addresses (192.168.1.0 to 192.168.1.255) to connect to the database. Which firewall rule should you create?
Start IP: 192.168.0.0, End IP: 192.168.2.255
Why wrong: Incorrect: This allows a broader range than needed.
Start IP: 192.168.1.0, End IP: 192.168.1.255
Correct: This covers the entire /24 subnet.
Start IP: 192.168.1.255, End IP: 192.168.1.0
Why wrong: Incorrect: Start IP cannot be greater than end IP.
Start IP: 192.168.1.0, End IP: 192.168.1.0
Why wrong: Incorrect: This allows only a single IP.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Start IP: 192.168.1.0, End IP: 192.168.1.255
Option B is correct because Azure SQL Database firewall rules require a contiguous range of IP addresses defined by a start and end IP. The range 192.168.1.0 to 192.168.1.255 exactly covers the specified /24 subnet, allowing all hosts in that block to connect. This is the standard method for permitting a subnet in Azure SQL firewall configuration.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Start IP: 192.168.0.0, End IP: 192.168.2.255
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect: This allows a broader range than needed.
Start IP: 192.168.1.0, End IP: 192.168.1.255
Why this is correct
Correct: This covers the entire /24 subnet.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Start IP: 192.168.1.255, End IP: 192.168.1.0
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect: Start IP cannot be greater than end IP.
Start IP: 192.168.1.0, End IP: 192.168.1.0
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect: This allows only a single IP.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates may confuse Azure SQL firewall rules with on-premises firewall or network ACLs, where reversed ranges or single-IP entries might be accepted, but Azure SQL strictly requires a valid start ≤ end IP and does not support CIDR notation, leading to errors if you try to use a subnet mask or reversed order.
Detailed technical explanation
Azure SQL Database firewall rules operate at the network layer, using TCP port 1433, and are stored as server-level or database-level rules. The start and end IP values define an inclusive range; the rule is evaluated against the source IP of incoming connection attempts. In real-world scenarios, using a single-host rule (like option D) is common for specific client machines, but for a subnet, you must specify the full range. Note that Azure SQL does not support CIDR notation directly; you must expand it to a start and end IP.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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
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FAQ
Implement a secure environment — This question tests Implement a secure environment — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Start IP: 192.168.1.0, End IP: 192.168.1.255 — Option B is correct because Azure SQL Database firewall rules require a contiguous range of IP addresses defined by a start and end IP. The range 192.168.1.0 to 192.168.1.255 exactly covers the specified /24 subnet, allowing all hosts in that block to connect. This is the standard method for permitting a subnet in Azure SQL firewall configuration.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
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