DP-300 Implement a secure environment Practice Question
You have an Azure SQL Managed Instance that needs to be accessed from an on-premises application. The connection must be encrypted and the on-premises network uses an ExpressRoute circuit. You need to configure the managed instance to only accept connections from the on-premises network. What should you do?
⚠ Common exam trap
Test-takers frequently confuse SQL Managed Instance with Azure SQL Database, incorrectly assuming that server-level firewall rules or private endpoints apply to Managed Instance, when in fact Managed Instance relies entirely on VNet integration and NSG rules for network security.
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
✓
Connect the on-premises network to the managed instance's virtual network using ExpressRoute and configure network security group (NSG) rules to restrict inbound traffic to the on-premises subnet.
Azure SQL Managed Instance is deployed into a virtual network, and the most secure way to allow only on-premises traffic is to extend the on-premises network into that VNet via ExpressRoute (private peering) and then use Network Security Group (NSG) rules to restrict inbound connections to only the on-premises subnet. This ensures the connection remains private, encrypted (via the ExpressRoute circuit), and does not expose a public endpoint.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Enable a public endpoint and restrict access using a firewall rule.
Why it's wrong here
Public endpoint is less secure and not recommended for private connectivity.
- ✗
Configure a server-level firewall rule to allow the on-premises IP range.
Why it's wrong here
Firewall rules are for public endpoint, which is not enabled.
- ✓
Connect the on-premises network to the managed instance's virtual network using ExpressRoute and configure network security group (NSG) rules to restrict inbound traffic to the on-premises subnet.
Why this is correct
ExpressRoute provides private connectivity, and NSGs control traffic within the VNet.
- ✗
Create a private endpoint for the managed instance and configure DNS.
Why it's wrong here
Managed instance is already in a VNet; private endpoint is redundant.
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Overview of Azure Data Platform Options
Key term
Azure SQL Managed Instance
Azure SQL Managed Instance is a fully managed cloud database service that gives you nearly all the features of Microsoft SQL Server on your own server, without you having to manage the hardware or operating system.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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