The answer is to use pglogical to set up logical replication from the source to Aurora. This is correct because pglogical operates as a PostgreSQL extension that captures changes at the logical level, applying minimal overhead on the source database compared to physical replication methods. Unlike AWS DMS, which continuously fetches changes and can add load, or native streaming replication which requires a primary server configuration, pglogical’s publisher-subscriber model allows near real-time replication without heavy resource consumption, making it ideal for a 2 TB database with high write throughput. On the AWS Certified Database Specialty DBS-C01 exam, this question tests your understanding of migration strategies that prioritize source performance; a common trap is choosing AWS DMS for its simplicity, but remember that DMS’s ongoing change data capture can impact write-heavy workloads. Memory tip: think “logical is light” — pglogical minimizes source drag by replicating only committed transactions, not the entire WAL stream.
DBS-C01 Deployment and Migration Practice Question
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 wants to migrate a 2 TB PostgreSQL database from on-premises to Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL. The database has high write throughput and the migration must have minimal impact on source performance. Which solution is MOST appropriate?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Use pglogical to set up logical replication from the source to Aurora.
Option C is correct because using pglogical for logical replication allows near real-time replication with minimal overhead on the source. Option A is wrong because AWS DMS with ongoing replication can add some overhead to the source due to continuous fetching of changes. Option B is wrong because native PostgreSQL streaming replication requires the source to be a primary server and may cause performance impact. Option D is wrong because using a read replica reduces performance impact but requires a replica already set up.
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 read replica of the on-premises database and promote it to Aurora.
Why it's wrong here
Creating a read replica requires additional setup and still impacts the source.
✗
Use AWS DMS with ongoing replication from the source to Aurora.
Why it's wrong here
DMS can cause overhead on the source due to continuous change capture.
✓
Use pglogical to set up logical replication from the source to Aurora.
Why this is correct
pglogical provides logical replication with minimal overhead on the source.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
✗
Set up native PostgreSQL streaming replication from on-premises to Aurora.
Why it's wrong here
Streaming replication requires the source to be a primary and can impact performance.
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.
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: Use pglogical to set up logical replication from the source to Aurora. — Option C is correct because using pglogical for logical replication allows near real-time replication with minimal overhead on the source. Option A is wrong because AWS DMS with ongoing replication can add some overhead to the source due to continuous fetching of changes. Option B is wrong because native PostgreSQL streaming replication requires the source to be a primary server and may cause performance impact. Option D is wrong because using a read replica reduces performance impact but requires a replica already set up.
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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Question Discussion
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