The answer is to increase the undo retention period in the source Oracle database. This resolves the ORA-1555 snapshot too old error because AWS DMS relies on consistent read consistency from Oracle’s undo tablespace during ongoing replication; when undo data is overwritten before DMS can read it, the snapshot becomes unavailable. On the AWS Certified Database Specialty DBS-C01 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of how DMS interacts with source database transaction management during continuous migration—a common trap is to adjust DMS task settings like batch size or logging frequency, but those don’t preserve the undo data Oracle needs to reconstruct older read-consistent views. Remember, the root cause is source-side undo retention, not DMS configuration. Memory tip: “Undo the undo error by extending undo time.”
DBS-C01 Deployment and Migration Practice Question
This DBS-C01 practice question tests your understanding of deployment and migration. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 is migrating a 3 TB Oracle database to Amazon RDS for Oracle. The migration uses AWS DMS with ongoing replication. The source database is actively used by applications. After the initial full load, the target RDS instance is in sync. However, during the ongoing replication phase, the replication task fails with an error: 'ORA-1555: snapshot too old.' The DMS task has been set up with a source endpoint that uses the 'Oracle TNS' connection method. The company needs to resolve the issue without stopping the source database. Which action should be taken?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Increase the undo retention period in the source Oracle database.
The ORA-1555 error indicates that undo data is overwritten before DMS can read it. Increasing undo retention ensures the snapshot data is available longer. Reducing batch size would not address the undo issue. Increasing logging frequency does not affect undo. Using a different connection method does not solve the underlying undo retention problem.
Key principle: ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Change the source endpoint to use the 'Oracle SID' connection method.
Why it's wrong here
Connection method does not affect undo retention.
✗
Decrease the batch size of the DMS task.
Why it's wrong here
Batch size affects throughput, not undo retention.
✓
Increase the undo retention period in the source Oracle database.
Why this is correct
Longer undo retention keeps snapshot data available for DMS.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
✗
Increase the frequency of the DMS task's log mining.
Why it's wrong here
Log mining frequency does not affect undo retention.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: ACLs stop at the first match
ACLs are processed top to bottom. The first matching entry wins, and an implicit deny usually exists at the end.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
ACL questions test precision: source, destination, protocol, port and direction. A generally correct ACL can still fail if it is applied on the wrong interface or in the wrong direction.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
Extended ACLs can match source, destination, protocol and ports.
The first matching ACL entry is used.
There is usually an implicit deny at the end.
TExam Day Tips
→Check inbound versus outbound direction.
→Read the ACL from top to bottom.
→Look for a broader permit or deny above the intended line.
Key takeaway
ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.
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. ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement. 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 ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related DBS-C01 ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
Deployment and Migration — This question tests Deployment and Migration — Standard ACLs match source addresses..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Increase the undo retention period in the source Oracle database. — The ORA-1555 error indicates that undo data is overwritten before DMS can read it. Increasing undo retention ensures the snapshot data is available longer. Reducing batch size would not address the undo issue. Increasing logging frequency does not affect undo. Using a different connection method does not solve the underlying undo retention problem.
What should I do if I get this DBS-C01 question wrong?
Review ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related DBS-C01 ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.