Quick Answer
The answer is the Azure Virtual Desktop Gateway service. This component is correct because it implements the reverse connect protocol, where each AVD session host initiates an outbound HTTPS connection on port 443 to the gateway, rather than waiting for inbound traffic. This architectural choice means no inbound firewall rules are ever required on the session hosts, as all user traffic is relayed securely through the gateway, keeping the hosts completely isolated from direct internet exposure. On the Microsoft Cybersecurity Architect exam, this concept tests your understanding of how to design zero-trust network access without opening inbound ports—a common trap is confusing the gateway with the broker or web client. Remember the key distinction: the gateway is the only component that handles the actual reverse transport; the broker only manages session orchestration. A useful memory tip is “Gateway goes out, not in”—the session host always initiates the call, never receives one.
This SC-100 practice question tests your understanding of design security for infrastructure. 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.
A company plans to deploy Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) in a secure environment. They require that all user connections be established over a reverse connect protocol to avoid inbound firewall rules. Which component enables this?
Azure Bastion
Why wrong: Bastion provides RDP/SSH via TLS, not reverse connect.
Azure AD Application Proxy
Why wrong: Designed for web apps, not AVD.
AVD Gateway service
The gateway uses reverse connect for outbound connections.
Session host configuration
Why wrong: Session hosts listen for inbound connections.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
AVD Gateway service
The AVD Gateway service is the correct component because it establishes a reverse connect transport, where the session host initiates an outbound connection to the gateway over HTTPS (port 443). This eliminates the need for any inbound firewall rules to the session hosts, as user connections are relayed through the gateway without directly exposing the session hosts to the internet.
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.
Azure Bastion
Azure AD Application Proxy
Why it's wrong here
Designed for web apps, not AVD.
AVD Gateway service
Why this is correct
The gateway uses reverse connect for outbound connections.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Session host configuration
Why it's wrong here
Session hosts listen for inbound connections.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates often confuse Azure Bastion's secure RDP access with AVD's reverse connect, but Bastion still requires inbound connectivity to the bastion host and does not provide the same outbound-only connection model that eliminates inbound firewall rules for session hosts.
Detailed technical explanation
The AVD reverse connect transport uses a persistent outbound HTTPS connection from the session host to the AVD Gateway service, which then multiplexes user traffic over that same channel. This design leverages the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) over a WebSocket tunnel, ensuring that no inbound ports (e.g., 3389) need to be opened on the session host's firewall. In a real-world scenario, this is critical for organizations with strict network segmentation policies, as it allows AVD to function in locked-down environments without requiring changes to existing firewall rules.
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
Design security for infrastructure — This question tests Design security for infrastructure — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: AVD Gateway service — The AVD Gateway service is the correct component because it establishes a reverse connect transport, where the session host initiates an outbound connection to the gateway over HTTPS (port 443). This eliminates the need for any inbound firewall rules to the session hosts, as user connections are relayed through the gateway without directly exposing the session hosts to the internet.
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
This SC-100 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 SC-100 exam.
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