CLF-C02 Cloud Technology and Services Practice Question
Which AWS service provides a hybrid cloud storage solution that allows on-premises applications to seamlessly access data stored in AWS cloud storage using standard file protocols?
⚠ Common exam trap
Many candidates confuse AWS DataSync (a transfer tool) with Storage Gateway (a hybrid storage appliance), because both involve moving data to AWS, but DataSync lacks the on-premises file protocol access and local caching that define a hybrid storage solution.
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
✓
AWS Storage Gateway
AWS Storage Gateway provides a hybrid cloud storage solution by offering on-premises appliances that expose standard file protocols (NFS, SMB) to local applications, while storing data durably in Amazon S3 or Amazon EBS. This allows seamless access to AWS cloud storage without modifying existing workflows, as the gateway caches frequently accessed data locally and asynchronously transfers data to the cloud.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
AWS DataSync
Why it's wrong here
AWS DataSync is a data transfer service designed for one-time or recurring migration and replication of files between on-premises storage and AWS services such as Amazon S3 or EFS. It does not provide a persistent, low-latency file-sharing endpoint for on-premises applications; instead, it moves data in batches or on a schedule, then terminates the connection. This makes it unsuitable for hybrid storage access where applications need continuous NFS/SMB access to cloud-backed storage.
- ✗
AWS Direct Connect
Why it's wrong here
AWS Direct Connect establishes a private, dedicated network circuit from your on-premises data center to AWS, reducing network latency and bypassing the public internet. However, it is purely a connectivity layer; it does not present any storage protocol such as NFS, SMB, or iSCSI to your applications. You would still need a storage service or gateway on top of the connection to provide hybrid storage access, so it cannot replace Storage Gateway.
- ✓
AWS Storage Gateway
Why this is correct
AWS Storage Gateway is a hybrid cloud storage service that provides on-premises applications with low-latency access to AWS storage. Its File Gateway mode presents Amazon S3 as a file share via NFS and SMB, caching recently accessed data locally, while Volume Gateway offers iSCSI block storage backed by EBS snapshots, and Tape Gateway replaces physical tape for backups. This bridges the gap between on-premises workloads and AWS object, block, or archival storage, making it the correct answer for hybrid NFS/SMB access to S3.
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Amazon FSx
Why it's wrong here
Amazon FSx delivers fully managed, cloud-native file systems such as FSx for Windows File Server, Lustre, NetApp ONTAP, and OpenZFS, running entirely within AWS. While you can mount these file systems from on-premises over VPN or Direct Connect, they are not a caching or data-bridging gateway that maps an on-premises storage appliance to AWS storage. FSx is a platform for native AWS file workloads, whereas Storage Gateway specifically serves as the on-premises-facing edge for hybrid storage.
Quick reference
AWS S3 Storage Class Comparison
| Storage Class | Min Duration | Retrieval | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| S3 Standard | None | Immediate | Frequently accessed data |
| S3 Standard-IA | 30 days | Immediate | Infrequent access, rapid retrieval |
| S3 One Zone-IA | 30 days | Immediate | Non-critical infrequent data |
| S3 Intelligent-Tiering | None | Immediate–hours | Unknown or changing access patterns |
| S3 Glacier Instant | 90 days | Milliseconds | Archive with instant retrieval |
| S3 Glacier Flexible | 90 days | Minutes–hours | Archive, flexible retrieval |
| S3 Glacier Deep Archive | 180 days | Hours | Long-term compliance archive |
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This CLF-C02 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Amazon Web Services 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 CLF-C02 exam.