The correct actions to improve DynamoDB read latency are enabling DynamoDB Accelerator (DAX) and using Global Tables. DAX acts as an in-memory cache that sits between your application and DynamoDB, serving frequently accessed items at microsecond speeds and drastically reducing read latency for hot data. Global Tables replicate data across multiple AWS Regions, allowing local read replicas that minimize network round trips for geographically distributed users, which directly addresses high read latency for global workloads. On the AWS Certified Data Engineer Associate DEA-C01 exam, this question tests your understanding of latency optimization strategies versus throughput or indexing features—a common trap is confusing Global Secondary Indexes (GSIs) with performance fixes, but GSIs only enable alternate query patterns, not faster reads. Remember, DAX caches hot reads, Global Tables localizes reads, and neither requires changing write capacity or streams. Memory tip: "DAX for cache, Global for place"—DAX speeds up repeated reads, Global Tables bring data closer to users.
DEA-C01 Data Operations and Support Practice Question
This DEA-C01 practice question tests your understanding of data operations and support. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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 uses Amazon DynamoDB as the primary data store for a web application. The application experiences high read latency. Which TWO actions can improve read performance?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "primary"
Why it matters: Asks for the main purpose or function, not a secondary benefit. Eliminate answers that describe side-effects or partial functions.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Enable DynamoDB Global Tables
Option B is correct because DynamoDB Accelerator (DAX) provides in-memory caching, reducing read latency. Option D is correct because Global Tables provide local read replicas, reducing latency for global users. Option A is wrong because GSI adds secondary indexes but does not reduce read latency for primary key lookups. Option C is wrong because increasing write capacity does not affect read performance. Option E is wrong because DynamoDB Streams is for change capture, not reducing latency.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Add a Global Secondary Index (GSI)
Why it's wrong here
GSI adds query flexibility but does not directly reduce read latency.
✓
Enable DynamoDB Global Tables
Why this is correct
Global Tables allow reads from local regions, reducing latency.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "primary" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✓
Enable DynamoDB Accelerator (DAX)
Why this is correct
DAX provides in-memory caching to reduce read latency.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "primary" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Enable DynamoDB Streams
Why it's wrong here
Streams capture changes, not reduce latency.
✗
Increase the write capacity units
Why it's wrong here
Write capacity does not affect reads.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
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. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. 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.
Identify which DEA-C01 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Data Operations and Support — This question tests Data Operations and Support — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Enable DynamoDB Global Tables — Option B is correct because DynamoDB Accelerator (DAX) provides in-memory caching, reducing read latency. Option D is correct because Global Tables provide local read replicas, reducing latency for global users. Option A is wrong because GSI adds secondary indexes but does not reduce read latency for primary key lookups. Option C is wrong because increasing write capacity does not affect read performance. Option E is wrong because DynamoDB Streams is for change capture, not reducing latency.
What should I do if I get this DEA-C01 question wrong?
Identify which DEA-C01 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "primary". Asks for the main purpose or function, not a secondary benefit. Eliminate answers that describe side-effects or partial functions.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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