The correct answer is to add a virtual network rule that references subnet2 in vnet2. This works because when public network access is disabled on an Azure SQL Database server, all connections over the public internet are blocked, regardless of firewall rules. A virtual network rule, however, allows traffic from a specific subnet within a virtual network to flow through the Azure backbone, effectively creating a private connection that bypasses the public endpoint. On the DP-300 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of how virtual network rules override the public network access denial—a common trap is thinking you can simply enable public access or add a firewall rule for the client’s IP, but those are rejected when public access is off. Remember the key distinction: firewall rules control public IP traffic, while virtual network rules control private traffic from trusted subnets. Memory tip: “No public path? Use a VNet rule for a private backhaul.”
DP-300 Plan and implement data platform resources Practice Question
This DP-300 practice question tests your understanding of plan and implement data platform resources. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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 reviewing the firewall and virtual network rules for an Azure SQL Database server as shown in the exhibit. The server has public network access disabled. A client application in a different virtual network (vnet2) needs to connect to the database. What must you do to allow the connection?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Add a virtual network rule that references subnet2 in vnet2.
Since public network access is disabled, the server rejects all public IP-based connections. To allow a client in a different virtual network (vnet2) to connect, you must create a virtual network rule that references subnet2 in vnet2. This rule establishes a private endpoint-like connection through the Azure backbone, bypassing the public internet and honoring the disabled public network access setting.
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.
✓
Add a virtual network rule that references subnet2 in vnet2.
Why this is correct
Virtual network rules allow traffic from specific subnets.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Add the IP address of the client to the ipRules array.
Why it's wrong here
Public network access is disabled, so IP rules are not effective.
✗
Set publicNetworkAccess to 'Enabled' and add an IP firewall rule.
Why it's wrong here
This would expose the server to public internet, which may not be desired.
✗
Create a server-level firewall rule to allow all Azure services.
Why it's wrong here
Firewall rules are not used for virtual network traffic.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates assume IP firewall rules can still work when public network access is disabled, but in reality, disabling public network access completely overrides all IP-based rules, making virtual network rules the only viable option for cross-VNet connectivity.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Virtual network rules leverage the Azure SQL Database service endpoint, which creates a direct route from the specified subnet to the database server over the Microsoft backbone network. This eliminates the need for a public IP address and ensures traffic never traverses the internet, reducing latency and improving security. In a real-world scenario, if the client application is in a peered VNet or uses VNet injection, a virtual network rule is the only way to maintain private connectivity while keeping public network access disabled.
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 company's IT admin needs to give a contractor read-only access to production logs without sharing account credentials. Using role-based access control (RBAC) and temporary scoped permissions — not a permanent shared password — is the correct pattern. Questions like this test whether you can apply least-privilege access across cloud identity services.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this DP-300 question in full detail.
Plan and implement data platform resources — This question tests Plan and implement data platform resources — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Add a virtual network rule that references subnet2 in vnet2. — Since public network access is disabled, the server rejects all public IP-based connections. To allow a client in a different virtual network (vnet2) to connect, you must create a virtual network rule that references subnet2 in vnet2. This rule establishes a private endpoint-like connection through the Azure backbone, bypassing the public internet and honoring the disabled public network access setting.
What should I do if I get this DP-300 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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