DBS-C01 Workload-Specific Database Design Practice Question
A company uses Amazon DynamoDB to store session data for a web application. During peak hours, they experience occasional ProvisionedThroughputExceededException errors. The table has a read capacity of 1000 RCU and a write capacity of 500 WCU. The application uses strongly consistent reads. The traffic pattern shows short bursts of reads exceeding 1000 RCU. What is the MOST cost-effective way to handle these bursts without changing the application?
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
✓
Enable DynamoDB Auto Scaling to adjust RCU dynamically
Enabling DynamoDB Auto Scaling (Option A) is the most cost-effective solution because it automatically adjusts read capacity in response to traffic patterns, handling short bursts without manual intervention or over-provisioning. It does not require application changes. Option B is more expensive due to higher static capacity. Option C requires switching to eventually consistent reads, which would change application behavior and may not be acceptable for session data requiring strong consistency. Option D adds cost and complexity with DAX without addressing read capacity limits directly.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Enable DynamoDB Auto Scaling to adjust RCU dynamically
Why this is correct
Correct. Auto Scaling dynamically adjusts RCU based on demand, handling bursts cost-effectively without application changes.
- ✗
Increase RCU to 2000 and enable Auto Scaling
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. Increasing RCU to 2000 is over-provisioning and more expensive, even with Auto Scaling.
- ✗
Switch to eventually consistent reads
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. Changing to eventually consistent reads would require application changes and may compromise data consistency for session data.
- ✗
Use DynamoDB Accelerator (DAX) for caching reads
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. DAX is a caching layer that reduces read load but adds cost and complexity; it does not directly resolve the ProvisionedThroughputExceededException caused by insufficient RCU.
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