DBS-C01 AWS DMS (Database Migration Service) Practice Question
A company is migrating a MongoDB database to Amazon DocumentDB. They have a 200 GB database and need to minimize downtime. Which migration approach is most appropriate?
⚠ Common exam trap
Candidates may think that native MongoDB replication to DocumentDB is possible, but DocumentDB uses a different replication mechanism and cannot act as a MongoDB replica. The correct tool for minimal downtime migration is AWS DMS with ongoing replication.
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 DMS to migrate data from MongoDB to DocumentDB.
AWS DMS with ongoing replication (change data capture) is the most appropriate migration approach for minimizing downtime when migrating a 200 GB MongoDB database to Amazon DocumentDB. DMS can perform an initial load and then continuously replicate ongoing changes from the source MongoDB to the target DocumentDB until cutover, resulting in near-zero downtime. Option B is incorrect because native MongoDB replication is not supported by DocumentDB; DocumentDB cannot join a MongoDB replica set.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Take an EBS snapshot of the MongoDB volume and restore it to DocumentDB.
Why it's wrong here
EBS snapshots are for Amazon EC2 volumes and cannot be directly restored to DocumentDB. This approach is not applicable.
- ✗
Set up MongoDB replication from the source to DocumentDB, then promote DocumentDB.
Why it's wrong here
DocumentDB does not support native MongoDB replication. While the option suggests replication, it is not feasible; DMS is required for ongoing sync.
- ✗
Export the database using mongodump and import using mongorestore into DocumentDB.
Why it's wrong here
Export/import with mongodump and mongorestore can be used but results in significant downtime during the export and import process, especially for a 200 GB database.
- ✓
Use AWS DMS to migrate data from MongoDB to DocumentDB.
Why this is correct
AWS DMS with ongoing replication (CDC) allows initial load and continuous sync, minimizing downtime. This is the recommended approach for large databases requiring minimal interruption.
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