Quick Answer
The answer is DynamoDB auto scaling. This feature automatically adjusts read and write capacity based on actual traffic patterns, making it ideal for handling sudden traffic spikes without manual intervention by using CloudWatch alarms to trigger capacity changes. On the AWS Certified Database Specialty DBS-C01 exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish between cost-optimized scaling and the more expensive on-demand mode, which is a common trap—many candidates incorrectly choose on-demand for all unpredictable workloads, but auto scaling is the correct choice when you need to balance cost with automatic handling of spikes. A key memory tip is to think "auto scaling = scheduled or reactive adjustments for known patterns," while "on-demand = unlimited capacity for truly random bursts at a premium price."
This DBS-C01 practice question tests your understanding of deployment and migration. 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 developer is deploying an application that uses Amazon DynamoDB as its database. The application experiences sudden spikes in traffic. Which DynamoDB feature should the developer use to handle the spikes without manual intervention?
DynamoDB Accelerator (DAX)
Why wrong: DAX is a caching service, not for handling capacity spikes.
DynamoDB on-demand capacity mode
Why wrong: On-demand mode handles spikes but is not a scaling feature; it's a billing mode.
DynamoDB auto scaling
Auto scaling adjusts read/write capacity automatically based on traffic.
DynamoDB global tables
Why wrong: Global tables are for multi-Region replication, not for handling spikes.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
DynamoDB auto scaling
DynamoDB auto scaling adjusts capacity based on traffic patterns. Option A is incorrect because on-demand capacity is suitable for unpredictable workloads but may be more expensive. Option C is incorrect because DAX is a caching layer, not a scaling feature. Option D is incorrect because global tables are for multi-Region replication.
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
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
DynamoDB Accelerator (DAX)
Why it's wrong here
DAX is a caching service, not for handling capacity spikes.
DynamoDB on-demand capacity mode
Why it's wrong here
On-demand mode handles spikes but is not a scaling feature; it's a billing mode.
DynamoDB auto scaling
Why this is correct
Auto scaling adjusts read/write capacity automatically based on traffic.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
DynamoDB global tables
Why it's wrong here
Global tables are for multi-Region replication, not for handling spikes.
Common exam traps
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
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.
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
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
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
Deployment and Migration — This question tests Deployment and Migration — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
The correct answer is: DynamoDB auto scaling — DynamoDB auto scaling adjusts capacity based on traffic patterns. Option A is incorrect because on-demand capacity is suitable for unpredictable workloads but may be more expensive. Option C is incorrect because DAX is a caching layer, not a scaling feature. Option D is incorrect because global tables are for multi-Region replication.
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.
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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