If you have multiple web servers that need to interact with a SQL server, where should the SQL server be located?

The SQL server should be located on the internal network because this configuration helps maintain a higher level of security for sensitive data. Web servers typically handle requests from external users, making them more exposed to internet-based threats. By placing the SQL server, which often contains critical data, on the internal network, you create a safeguard against unauthorized access and potential attacks.

This internal placement means that access to the SQL server can be tightly controlled through firewalls and access controls. It also allows for safer database management practices since the SQL server does not directly interface with the internet. Additionally, sensitive operations, like database queries, can be executed through the web servers without exposing the SQL server to potential threats from external sources.

By contrast, placing the SQL server in a DMZ or on the internet would expose it to higher risks, as both configurations are inherently designed to allow more external communication. A VLAN could potentially provide some segmentation within the internal network, but it does not equate to the robust security features and access controls that come with placing the SQL server directly on the internal network.