The correct actions are to implement DynamoDB Accelerator (DAX) to offload read traffic and to pre-create a global table to distribute write traffic across regions. DAX acts as an in-memory cache that absorbs read-heavy workloads, reducing the number of reads hitting the table and thus preventing read throttling even under on-demand capacity. A global table replicates data across multiple AWS Regions, so writes are spread across regional replicas, lowering the per-table write pressure that can cause throttling during traffic spikes. On the AWS Certified Database Specialty DBS-C01 exam, this question tests your understanding that on-demand mode automatically scales but still has per-partition throughput limits; the trap is assuming switching to provisioned capacity or manually adjusting RCUs solves throttling, which it does not without proper planning. A useful memory tip: “Cache reads with DAX, spread writes with Global Tables” — both reduce the load on any single DynamoDB table without requiring capacity mode changes.
DBS-C01 Management and Operations Practice Question
This DBS-C01 practice question tests your understanding of management and operations. 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 is using Amazon DynamoDB for a high-traffic web application. The table has on-demand capacity mode. During a marketing event, the application experiences throttling. Which TWO actions should the database specialist take to prevent throttling in future events?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Pre-create a DynamoDB global table to distribute write traffic.
Options B and D are correct. Option B: Pre-creating a global table can distribute write traffic across regions, reducing load on a single table. Option D: Using DynamoDB Accelerator (DAX) can offload read traffic, reducing read capacity consumption. Option A is wrong because switching to provisioned capacity requires capacity planning but does not automatically prevent throttling. Option C is wrong because increasing read capacity units is not applicable to on-demand mode. Option E is wrong because decreasing write capacity is counterproductive.
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.
✗
Increase the read capacity units of the table.
Why it's wrong here
On-demand mode does not use provisioned capacity units.
✗
Switch the table to provisioned capacity mode and increase write capacity units.
Why it's wrong here
On-demand mode already scales, but switching to provisioned may still throttle if not correctly sized.
✓
Pre-create a DynamoDB global table to distribute write traffic.
Why this is correct
Global tables spread writes across regions, reducing throttling.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Decrease the write capacity units to reduce throttling.
Why it's wrong here
Decreasing capacity would worsen throttling.
✓
Implement DynamoDB Accelerator (DAX) to offload read traffic.
Why this is correct
DAX caches reads, reducing the number of read requests to the table.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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 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.
Management and Operations — This question tests Management and Operations — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Pre-create a DynamoDB global table to distribute write traffic. — Options B and D are correct. Option B: Pre-creating a global table can distribute write traffic across regions, reducing load on a single table. Option D: Using DynamoDB Accelerator (DAX) can offload read traffic, reducing read capacity consumption. Option A is wrong because switching to provisioned capacity requires capacity planning but does not automatically prevent throttling. Option C is wrong because increasing read capacity units is not applicable to on-demand mode. Option E is wrong because decreasing write capacity is counterproductive.
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.
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Question Discussion
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