DBS-C01 Workload-Specific Database Design Practice Question
A company runs a global e-commerce platform with a relational database. They need to reduce read latency for users in Europe and Asia. The primary database is in us-west-2. Which solution provides the LOWEST read latency for global users while maintaining data consistency?
⚠ Common exam trap
Many exam-takers choose ElastiCache (Option A) thinking caching always provides the lowest latency, but they overlook the requirement for data consistency and the fact that caching does not replicate the full database state across regions.
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 Amazon Aurora Global Database with reader instances in Europe and Asia
Amazon Aurora Global Database is designed for low-latency global reads by replicating data to up to five secondary regions with dedicated reader instances. It uses storage-based replication that typically adds less than one second of lag, ensuring strong consistency while providing local read access for users in Europe and Asia. This architecture directly addresses the requirement for the lowest read latency without compromising data consistency.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Deploy Amazon ElastiCache clusters in each region and cache database queries
Why it's wrong here
Caching adds eventual consistency and complexity; not the lowest latency for consistent reads.
- ✓
Use Amazon Aurora Global Database with reader instances in Europe and Asia
Why this is correct
Aurora Global Database provides cross-region read replicas with <1 second latency, enabling low-latency local reads.
- ✗
Migrate to Amazon DynamoDB global tables
Why it's wrong here
DynamoDB is NoSQL and would require application changes.
- ✗
Configure Amazon RDS cross-region read replicas
Why it's wrong here
RDS cross-region replicas are asynchronous and intended for disaster recovery, not low latency reads.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.