- A
Export the database to a flat file, compress it, and upload to S3 via the internet, then import into RDS.
Why wrong: Over 100 Mbps, transferring 3 TB would take over 3 days, exceeding the deadline.
- B
Use AWS DataSync to transfer the database files directly to Amazon S3.
Why wrong: DataSync is for file transfers, not database migration directly to RDS.
- C
Use AWS Snowball to physically transfer a full database backup to AWS, then restore into RDS.
Snowball transfers large data quickly regardless of bandwidth.
- D
Use AWS DMS with ongoing replication to perform a full load over the internet and then continuously replicate changes until cutover.
DMS can start with a full load and then use change data capture to minimize downtime, though initial load may be slow.
- E
Establish a VPN connection and use AWS DMS with full load only.
Why wrong: VPN does not improve bandwidth; full load alone would take too long.
DBS-C01 Deployment and Migration Practice Question
This DBS-C01 practice question tests your understanding of deployment and migration. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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 migrating a 3 TB SQL Server database to Amazon RDS for SQL Server. They have limited network bandwidth (100 Mbps) and need to complete the migration within 3 days. Which two approaches could meet the requirements? (Choose TWO.)
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
Use AWS Snowball to physically transfer a full database backup to AWS, then restore into RDS.
Options A and D are correct. AWS Snowball can transfer the backup offline, bypassing network constraints. AWS DMS with ongoing replication can use change data capture to minimize downtime after initial load. Option B is wrong because VPN does not increase bandwidth. Option C is wrong because DataSync is for file storage, not databases. Option E is wrong because direct transfer over the internet would be too slow.
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.
- ✗
Export the database to a flat file, compress it, and upload to S3 via the internet, then import into RDS.
Why it's wrong here
Over 100 Mbps, transferring 3 TB would take over 3 days, exceeding the deadline.
- ✗
Use AWS DataSync to transfer the database files directly to Amazon S3.
Why it's wrong here
DataSync is for file transfers, not database migration directly to RDS.
- ✓
Use AWS Snowball to physically transfer a full database backup to AWS, then restore into RDS.
Why this is correct
Snowball transfers large data quickly regardless of bandwidth.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
Use AWS DMS with ongoing replication to perform a full load over the internet and then continuously replicate changes until cutover.
Why this is correct
DMS can start with a full load and then use change data capture to minimize downtime, though initial load may be slow.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Establish a VPN connection and use AWS DMS with full load only.
Why it's wrong here
VPN does not improve bandwidth; full load alone would take too long.
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 media company stores terabytes of video archives that are accessed once a year for audit purposes. Moving these objects to a cold storage tier (Azure Archive, S3 Glacier, or Google Nearline) costs a fraction of hot storage. Questions like this test whether you understand storage tiers, access frequency tradeoffs, and retrieval latency requirements.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which DBS-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.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this DBS-C01 question test?
Deployment and Migration — This question tests Deployment and Migration — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Use AWS Snowball to physically transfer a full database backup to AWS, then restore into RDS. — Options A and D are correct. AWS Snowball can transfer the backup offline, bypassing network constraints. AWS DMS with ongoing replication can use change data capture to minimize downtime after initial load. Option B is wrong because VPN does not increase bandwidth. Option C is wrong because DataSync is for file storage, not databases. Option E is wrong because direct transfer over the internet would be too slow.
What should I do if I get this DBS-C01 question wrong?
Identify which DBS-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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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Last reviewed: Jun 20, 2026
This DBS-C01 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 DBS-C01 exam.
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