The answer is deploying Amazon RDS for MySQL with Multi-AZ and a read replica in a different AZ. This configuration meets the requirements because RDS Multi-AZ provisions a synchronous standby replica in another Availability Zone, enabling automatic failover within minutes if the primary instance fails, while the additional read replica handles the read-heavy workload without impacting the primary’s performance. On the AWS Certified Database Specialty DBS-C01 exam, this scenario tests your understanding that Multi-AZ is a separate feature from Aurora’s cluster architecture—Aurora uses its own distributed storage and reader endpoints for failover, not the classic Multi-AZ standby. A common trap is confusing cross-Region replicas (disaster recovery) with same-Region automatic failover, or assuming RDS Proxy provides high availability when it only manages connections. Remember the memory tip: “Multi-AZ for failover, read replica for read load—Aurora does it differently with its cluster.”
DBS-C01 Deployment and Migration Practice Question
This DBS-C01 practice question tests your understanding of deployment and migration. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 is deploying a new multi-AZ application that requires a relational database. The database must be highly available and must automatically failover to a standby in another Availability Zone within minutes. The database size is 500 GB and the workload is read-heavy. Which AWS RDS configuration meets these requirements?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Deploy Amazon RDS for MySQL with Multi-AZ and a read replica in a different AZ
Amazon RDS Multi-AZ deployment provides automatic failover to a standby in another AZ. Option B is incorrect because Multi-AZ is not available for Aurora; Aurora uses a cluster with a primary and readers. Option C is incorrect because cross-Region replicas are for disaster recovery, not automatic failover in the same Region. Option D is incorrect because RDS Proxy is for connection pooling, not high availability.
Key principle: ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Deploy Amazon Aurora with Multi-AZ
Why it's wrong here
Amazon Aurora does not have a 'Multi-AZ' option; it uses a cluster with storage in multiple AZs automatically.
✗
Deploy Amazon RDS for PostgreSQL with a cross-Region read replica
Why it's wrong here
Cross-Region replica is not for automatic failover within the same Region.
✓
Deploy Amazon RDS for MySQL with Multi-AZ and a read replica in a different AZ
RDS Proxy does not provide high availability or automatic failover.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: ACLs stop at the first match
ACLs are processed top to bottom. The first matching entry wins, and an implicit deny usually exists at the end.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
ACL questions test precision: source, destination, protocol, port and direction. A generally correct ACL can still fail if it is applied on the wrong interface or in the wrong direction.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
Extended ACLs can match source, destination, protocol and ports.
The first matching ACL entry is used.
There is usually an implicit deny at the end.
TExam Day Tips
→Check inbound versus outbound direction.
→Read the ACL from top to bottom.
→Look for a broader permit or deny above the intended line.
Key takeaway
ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
An e-commerce site experiences heavy traffic on Black Friday and near-zero traffic during off-peak weeks. Rather than provisioning permanent large VMs, the team uses auto-scaling groups that add capacity automatically under load and reduce it overnight. Questions like this test whether you understand elasticity, availability zones, and cloud compute scaling patterns.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related DBS-C01 ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
Deployment and Migration — This question tests Deployment and Migration — Standard ACLs match source addresses..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Deploy Amazon RDS for MySQL with Multi-AZ and a read replica in a different AZ — Amazon RDS Multi-AZ deployment provides automatic failover to a standby in another AZ. Option B is incorrect because Multi-AZ is not available for Aurora; Aurora uses a cluster with a primary and readers. Option C is incorrect because cross-Region replicas are for disaster recovery, not automatic failover in the same Region. Option D is incorrect because RDS Proxy is for connection pooling, not high availability.
What should I do if I get this DBS-C01 question wrong?
Review ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related DBS-C01 ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
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Question Discussion
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