- A
Use AWS Snowball to physically transfer the database backup to AWS, then load into RDS.
Why wrong: Incorrect because Snowball involves physical shipping (1–2 days) and additional steps, making it slower than direct network transfer for a 50 GB database.
- B
Use AWS DMS to perform a full load directly over the internet.
Why wrong: AWS DMS can perform a full load over the internet and is a valid option, but pg_dump to S3 is simpler and equally efficient for a one-time migration without ongoing replication.
- C
Set up a VPN connection and use AWS DMS with ongoing replication.
Why wrong: Incorrect because setting up a VPN and using ongoing replication adds unnecessary complexity and overhead for just the initial data transfer; it is not the most efficient method.
- D
Use pg_dump to export the database and upload to S3 via the internet, then restore into RDS.
Correct because pg_dump to S3 via the internet leverages the available bandwidth efficiently, and the transfer can complete in a few hours, well within the 24-hour deadline.
When to Use AWS Snowball for Small Database Migrations with Strict Time Constraints
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. A key principle to apply: pg_dump. 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 migrating a 50 GB PostgreSQL database from on-premises to Amazon RDS for PostgreSQL. The network bandwidth between on-premises and AWS is 50 Mbps. The migration must complete within 24 hours. What is the most efficient way to transfer the initial data?
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 pg_dump to export the database and upload to S3 via the internet, then restore into RDS.
The most efficient method is to use pg_dump to export the database, upload the dump file to Amazon S3 via the internet (or using AWS CLI with multipart upload), and then restore it into Amazon RDS for PostgreSQL. Given the database size of 50 GB and a 50 Mbps link, the theoretical transfer time is about 2.3 hours, and even with realistic overhead and retransmissions, it can complete well within the 24-hour window. This approach avoids the shipping delay and logistical overhead of AWS Snowball, which would take several days to arrive and process.
Key principle: pg_dump
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Use AWS Snowball to physically transfer the database backup to AWS, then load into RDS.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because Snowball involves physical shipping (1–2 days) and additional steps, making it slower than direct network transfer for a 50 GB database.
- ✗
Use AWS DMS to perform a full load directly over the internet.
Why it's wrong here
AWS DMS can perform a full load over the internet and is a valid option, but pg_dump to S3 is simpler and equally efficient for a one-time migration without ongoing replication.
- ✗
Set up a VPN connection and use AWS DMS with ongoing replication.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because setting up a VPN and using ongoing replication adds unnecessary complexity and overhead for just the initial data transfer; it is not the most efficient method.
- ✓
Use pg_dump to export the database and upload to S3 via the internet, then restore into RDS.
Why this is correct
Correct because pg_dump to S3 via the internet leverages the available bandwidth efficiently, and the transfer can complete in a few hours, well within the 24-hour deadline.
Related concept
pg_dump
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap is that candidates overestimate the impact of network overhead and assume Snowball is required for any large data transfer. In reality, for a 50 GB database over a 50 Mbps link, direct network transfer is faster and simpler than physical shipping.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
AWS Snowball uses a ruggedized device with 10 Gbps network interfaces locally, enabling transfer speeds of up to 1 Gbps over a local network, which is orders of magnitude faster than a 50 Mbps internet link. The device encrypts data at rest using 256-bit encryption keys managed via the AWS Key Management Service (KMS), and the physical shipping process is tracked through AWS Console, making it secure and auditable. In practice, Snowball is ideal for datasets over 10 TB or when network bandwidth is below 100 Mbps, as the total transfer time includes shipping (typically 1-2 days) but eliminates network bottlenecks.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- pg_dump
- Amazon S3
- Amazon RDS for PostgreSQL
- Bandwidth calculation
TExam Day Tips
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
pg_dump
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A media company stores terabytes of video archives that are accessed once a year for audit purposes. Moving these objects to a cold storage tier (Azure Archive, S3 Glacier, or Google Nearline) costs a fraction of hot storage. Questions like this test whether you understand storage tiers, access frequency tradeoffs, and retrieval latency requirements.
Quick reference
AWS S3 Storage Class Comparison
| Storage Class | Min Duration | Retrieval | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| S3 Standard | None | Immediate | Frequently accessed data |
| S3 Standard-IA | 30 days | Immediate | Infrequent access, rapid retrieval |
| S3 One Zone-IA | 30 days | Immediate | Non-critical infrequent data |
| S3 Intelligent-Tiering | None | Immediate–hours | Unknown or changing access patterns |
| S3 Glacier Instant | 90 days | Milliseconds | Archive with instant retrieval |
| S3 Glacier Flexible | 90 days | Minutes–hours | Archive, flexible retrieval |
| S3 Glacier Deep Archive | 180 days | Hours | Long-term compliance archive |
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review pg_dump, then practise related DBS-C01 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
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Deployment and Migration — study guide chapter
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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 — pg_dump.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Use pg_dump to export the database and upload to S3 via the internet, then restore into RDS. — The most efficient method is to use pg_dump to export the database, upload the dump file to Amazon S3 via the internet (or using AWS CLI with multipart upload), and then restore it into Amazon RDS for PostgreSQL. Given the database size of 50 GB and a 50 Mbps link, the theoretical transfer time is about 2.3 hours, and even with realistic overhead and retransmissions, it can complete well within the 24-hour window. This approach avoids the shipping delay and logistical overhead of AWS Snowball, which would take several days to arrive and process.
What should I do if I get this DBS-C01 question wrong?
Review pg_dump, then practise related DBS-C01 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
What is the key concept behind this question?
pg_dump
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
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