- A
Create a cross-region read replica in the target region and promote it to a standalone instance.
Why wrong: Amazon RDS for SQL Server does not support cross-region read replicas.
- B
Take a snapshot of the source RDS instance and restore it in the target region. Then update the application connection string.
Why wrong: Snapshot restore is a point-in-time operation and would require additional downtime to sync changes made after the snapshot.
- C
Set up cross-region replication using native SQL Server log shipping or DMS with ongoing replication, then perform a DNS cutover to the target instance.
This approach keeps the target synchronized and allows a quick cutover with minimal downtime.
- D
Use AWS DMS to perform a full load to a new RDS instance in the target region. During the final sync, stop the source and resume from the target.
Why wrong: While DMS can do ongoing replication, a full load to a new instance would require time to catch up, potentially exceeding 15 minutes of downtime if not properly planned.
Quick Answer
The correct strategy is to set up cross-region replication using native SQL Server log shipping or AWS DMS with ongoing replication, then perform a DNS cutover to the target instance. This approach minimizes downtime because it continuously synchronizes the 1 TB database to the target region, so when you cut over, only a final log apply or CDC catch-up is needed—easily under 15 minutes. On the AWS Certified Database Specialty DBS-C01 exam, this question tests your understanding of cross-region migration RDS SQL Server minimal downtime scenarios, specifically that native SQL Server log shipping works across regions for SQL Server, while cross-region read replicas are not supported. A common trap is assuming a snapshot restore is fast enough, but restoring a 1 TB snapshot across regions takes far longer than 15 minutes. Memory tip: “Ship logs, not snapshots” for sub-15-minute cross-region cuts.
DBS-C01 Deployment and Migration Practice Question
This DBS-C01 practice question tests your understanding of deployment and migration. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 an Amazon RDS for SQL Server database with Multi-AZ deployment. They need to migrate to Amazon RDS for SQL Server in a different AWS region. The database is 1 TB and cannot tolerate more than 15 minutes of downtime. Which strategy minimizes downtime?
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
Set up cross-region replication using native SQL Server log shipping or DMS with ongoing replication, then perform a DNS cutover to the target instance.
Option D is correct because setting up cross-region replication (using native SQL Server log shipping or DMS) allows continuous data sync and a quick DNS cutover. Option A is wrong because a snapshot restore takes time and does not provide ongoing sync. Option B is wrong because creating a read replica across regions is not supported for SQL Server. Option C is wrong because a new instance would require full data load.
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
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Create a cross-region read replica in the target region and promote it to a standalone instance.
Why it's wrong here
Amazon RDS for SQL Server does not support cross-region read replicas.
- ✗
Take a snapshot of the source RDS instance and restore it in the target region. Then update the application connection string.
Why it's wrong here
Snapshot restore is a point-in-time operation and would require additional downtime to sync changes made after the snapshot.
- ✓
Set up cross-region replication using native SQL Server log shipping or DMS with ongoing replication, then perform a DNS cutover to the target instance.
Why this is correct
This approach keeps the target synchronized and allows a quick cutover with minimal downtime.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
- ✗
Use AWS DMS to perform a full load to a new RDS instance in the target region. During the final sync, stop the source and resume from the target.
Why it's wrong here
While DMS can do ongoing replication, a full load to a new instance would require time to catch up, potentially exceeding 15 minutes of downtime if not properly planned.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic
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
How to think about this question
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.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
- PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
- Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
- NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.
TExam Day Tips
- Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
- Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
- Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.
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
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. NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated. 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.
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.
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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 — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Set up cross-region replication using native SQL Server log shipping or DMS with ongoing replication, then perform a DNS cutover to the target instance. — Option D is correct because setting up cross-region replication (using native SQL Server log shipping or DMS) allows continuous data sync and a quick DNS cutover. Option A is wrong because a snapshot restore takes time and does not provide ongoing sync. Option B is wrong because creating a read replica across regions is not supported for SQL Server. Option C is wrong because a new instance would require full data load.
What should I do if I get this DBS-C01 question wrong?
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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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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