Quick Answer
The answer is AWS Database Migration Service (DMS). AWS DMS is the correct choice for a MySQL migration with minimal downtime because it supports ongoing replication from the source on-premises database to the target Amazon RDS for MySQL, allowing you to keep both databases in sync during the transition. This means you can cut over to the new RDS instance in seconds, rather than taking the database offline for the full 500 GB transfer. On the AWS Certified Database Specialty DBS-C01 exam, this question tests your understanding of migration strategies that balance data volume with availability requirements—specifically, that DMS’s change data capture (CDC) feature enables near-zero downtime even for large databases. A common trap is choosing AWS Snowball for the initial load, but Snowball lacks continuous replication, so it cannot minimize downtime during a live migration. Remember the memory tip: “DMS syncs, Snowball ships”—if you need ongoing replication to avoid downtime, DMS is the only service that keeps your data flowing without interruption.
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 an on-premises MySQL database to Amazon RDS for MySQL. The database is 500 GB in size and has a 24-hour maintenance window. Which AWS service or tool should be used for the initial data transfer with minimal downtime?
Amazon S3 with AWS Glue
Why wrong: Glue is for ETL, not for live database migration.
AWS Snowball Edge
Why wrong: Snowball is for offline data transfer and does not support continuous replication.
AWS Database Migration Service (DMS)
DMS supports ongoing replication from on-premises to RDS, minimizing downtime.
mysqldump and restore to RDS
Why wrong: mysqldump requires downtime and does not support ongoing replication.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
AWS Database Migration Service (DMS)
AWS Database Migration Service (DMS) supports ongoing replication to minimize downtime during migration. Option B is wrong because AWS Snowball is for large data transfers but does not support continuous replication. Option C is wrong because S3 is not directly used for database migration. Option D is wrong because RDS does not support native MySQL replication from on-premises without DMS.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Amazon S3 with AWS Glue
Why it's wrong here
Glue is for ETL, not for live database migration.
AWS Snowball Edge
Why it's wrong here
Snowball is for offline data transfer and does not support continuous replication.
AWS Database Migration Service (DMS)
Why this is correct
DMS supports ongoing replication from on-premises to RDS, minimizing downtime.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
mysqldump and restore to RDS
Why it's wrong here
mysqldump requires downtime and does not support ongoing replication.
Common exam traps
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Detailed technical explanation
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Real-world example
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
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related DBS-C01 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Deployment and Migration — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Deployment and Migration — This question tests Deployment and Migration — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
The correct answer is: AWS Database Migration Service (DMS) — AWS Database Migration Service (DMS) supports ongoing replication to minimize downtime during migration. Option B is wrong because AWS Snowball is for large data transfers but does not support continuous replication. Option C is wrong because S3 is not directly used for database migration. Option D is wrong because RDS does not support native MySQL replication from on-premises without DMS.
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related DBS-C01 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
About these practice questions
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Same concept, more angles
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. A company is migrating an on-premises MySQL database to Amazon RDS for MySQL. The database is 2 TB in size and the network bandwidth is 100 Mbps. The company needs to minimize downtime. Which migration strategy should be used?
easyWhy A: Option B is correct because AWS DMS can replicate ongoing changes after an initial full load, minimizing downtime. Option A is wrong because mysqldump would be slow and cause more downtime. Option C is wrong because S3 is not directly used for live migration. Option D is wrong because RDS does not support direct restore of physical backups from on-premises.
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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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