This PL-300 practice question tests your understanding of prepare the data. 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 connecting to an Azure SQL Database from Power BI Desktop. The database contains a view that returns thousands of rows. You only need the last 100 rows for analysis. What is the most efficient way to reduce the data loaded?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Use the 'Keep Top Rows' transformation in Power Query after applying a sort
Option B is correct because using the 'Top N' filter in Power Query pushes the filter to the source if supported, reducing data transfer. Option A is wrong because it loads all rows. Option C is wrong because DirectQuery does not reduce the load; it queries the source each time. Option D is wrong because native SQL query may still load all rows unless filtered.
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.
✗
Write a native SQL query with a WHERE clause to limit rows
Why it's wrong here
This is an option but not the most efficient if you cannot modify the source; Power Query is recommended.
✗
Use DirectQuery mode and add a filter in the report
Why it's wrong here
DirectQuery still queries the full view unless a filter is applied at the source.
✗
Import all rows and then remove rows in Power Query
Why it's wrong here
This loads all data into Power BI before filtering, which is inefficient.
✓
Use the 'Keep Top Rows' transformation in Power Query after applying a sort
Why this is correct
Power Query can push the top N query to the source, reducing data transfer.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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 cloud solutions architect for a retail company is evaluating services for a new workload. The correct answer here reflects best practice for the specific scenario described — not a general cloud recommendation. NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated. Cloud exam questions reward reading the constraint carefully: the same technology can be right or wrong depending on the use case.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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 PL-300 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Prepare the data — This question tests Prepare the data — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Use the 'Keep Top Rows' transformation in Power Query after applying a sort — Option B is correct because using the 'Top N' filter in Power Query pushes the filter to the source if supported, reducing data transfer. Option A is wrong because it loads all rows. Option C is wrong because DirectQuery does not reduce the load; it queries the source each time. Option D is wrong because native SQL query may still load all rows unless filtered.
What should I do if I get this PL-300 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 PL-300 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
This PL-300 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 PL-300 exam.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.