Azure Route Table Next Hop Types

AZ-104 By islever Editorial Last updated

Configure and manage virtual networks in Azure

Short answer

D Select Virtual appliance as the next hop type to specify a custom next hop IP address for traffic destined to a Network Virtual Appliance.

Question

You have an Azure subscription. You create a routing table named RT1. You need to add a route to RT1 that specifies the next hop IP address. Which next hop type should you select?
  1. Internet
  2. Virtual network gateway
  3. Virtual network
  4. Virtual appliance Correct Answer

Key Takeaways

The exam tests your ability to map specific next hop characteristics to the correct Azure Route Table option, with the common trap being confusion between gateway and appliance routes.

This question tests knowledge of Azure Route Table next hop types, specifically identifying when to use a Virtual appliance for custom IP routing. The correct answer is D because specifying an IP address requires a Virtual appliance next hop.

Common mistake: Candidates often select 'Virtual network gateway' (B) thinking it handles all virtual network traffic, but this type does not allow specifying a custom next hop IP address in the same way a Virtual appliance does.

Expert Analysis

Why the Answer Is Correct

In Azure Route Tables, the 'Virtual appliance' next hop type is used when you want to specify a custom next hop IP address, typically for traffic destined to a Network Virtual Appliance (NVA) like a firewall or router. This matches the requirement in the question to specify a next hop IP address.

Why the Other Options Are Wrong

'Internet' (A) sends traffic to the public internet without a specific private IP. 'Virtual network gateway' (B) is used for site-to-site or VNet-to-VNet connections, not for arbitrary IP next hops. 'Virtual network' (C) forwards traffic to another subnet within the same VNet using MAC addresses, not an IP address.

Community Comment Notes

The community consensus strongly supports D, with users noting that 'Virtual appliance' is the standard choice for NVAs requiring specific IP next hops. One user noted the question was vague but confirmed D based on previous experience with static routing tables.

Official Reference

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-network/create-route-table#next-hop-type

This link opens the official vendor documentation in a new tab.

Exam Strategy

Memorize the distinct purpose of each next hop type: Internet, Virtual network gateway, Virtual network, and Virtual appliance. Focus on the key differentiator: 'Virtual appliance' is the only one designed for custom IP-based routing to third-party devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why can't I use Virtual network gateway for a custom IP?

Virtual network gateway is for S2S/VNet peering gateways. It doesn't accept arbitrary IP next hops for general route table entries.

What is a Network Virtual Appliance (NVA)?

An NVA is a third-party device like a firewall or load balancer deployed in Azure, which requires a Virtual appliance next hop type.

More AZ-104 FAQ →

Community Votes

D
100%

100% of anonymous learners picked answer D. Votes are pick records left by other test-takers — they are not the verified answer.

Discussion 6 contributions

Compiled from public community threads and reader submissions, lightly edited for clarity. Handles and vote tallies are shown as recorded, and comments reflect the views of individual contributors, not of islever. The comments shown first are the most substantive of the thread — ranked by depth, community endorsement and relevance; expand the list below to read the rest.

From public community threads 6

  1. Brzzzzz4489 👍 3
    The question does say what the next hop is. I guessed D based on previous questions about static routing tables. There's no explanation either. ET needs to provide better explanations, especially for the questions that only give part of the information needed.
  2. 117b84e 👍 2
    chatgpt D. Virtual appliance Explanation: If you need to specify a next hop IP address, you would select Virtual appliance as the next hop type. This is typically used for scenarios where traffic needs to be routed to a specific network virtual appliance (NVA), such as a firewall or load balancer, which requires a specified IP address. A. Internet: This sends traffic directly to the internet and does not require a next hop IP address. B. Virtual network gateway: This is used for traffic going through a VPN gateway or an ExpressRoute gateway, not for specifying a next hop IP address. C. Virtual network: This refers to routing within the virtual network (VNet), where no next hop IP is needed. Since you're specifying a next hop IP address, Virtual appliance is the appropriate choice.
  3. Pcservices 👍 2 Answered D
    Virtual appliance: This is the appropriate next hop type when you need to specify a custom next hop IP address for a route. Typically, this would be an IP address for a network virtual appliance (NVA) such as a firewall or router within your network.
  4. 1d07c8e 👍 2 Answered D
    The question is a rather vague; if the next hop is a custom device then the choice is a virtual appliance. D.
  5. examprepboy 👍 1 Answered D
    D! who is answering these questions incorrectly like what the heck
Show 1 more comment
  1. 082c09e 👍 10
    D. Virtual appliance

Reader comments & corrections

No reader corrections yet — spotted an error or have a note? Share it below.

Log in to comment, report an error, or add a note about this question.

Submitted for moderation before publishing. Keep it helpful and respectful.

Enable SSPR for Entra Identities

S-grade

Assigning Fabric Licenses in Entra ID Free Tenant

S-grade

Which Certificate from Vault1 for WebApp1 TLS?

S-grade

Does Storage Account Encryption Scope Contributor Role Allow Key Regeneration?

S-grade

Practice All AZ-104 Questions

Access 100 questions with complete answers and detailed explanations.

View Full AZ-104 Practice Test →

← Back to AZ-104 Study Guide