The answer is insufficient write capacity on the replica table, network latency between regions, and item size. DynamoDB global tables use asynchronous replication, meaning writes to the primary region are propagated to the replica region asynchronously. If the replica table lacks sufficient write capacity, it cannot keep up with the incoming replication traffic, causing backpressure and high write latency. Additionally, the physical distance between regions introduces inherent network latency, and larger item sizes increase the time required for each replication write. On the AWS Certified Database Specialty DBS-C01 exam, this question tests your understanding of global table replication mechanics and the common trap of confusing read capacity with write performance—read capacity never affects write latency. A helpful memory tip is “WRITE: Write capacity, Region distance, Item size, Throughput consistency”—the three factors are all about the write path, not reads.
DBS-C01 Monitoring and Troubleshooting Practice Question
This DBS-C01 practice question tests your understanding of monitoring and troubleshooting. 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 using Amazon DynamoDB with a global table in two regions. The application is experiencing high write latency on the replica table in the secondary region. Which THREE factors could contribute to this issue?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Large item sizes being written to the table.
Global tables replicate writes asynchronously; network latency between regions affects replication. The write capacity on the replica table must be sufficient to handle replication writes. Item size affects write latency. Option D (read capacity) does not affect write latency. Option E (auto scaling) is not a direct cause of high latency.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✓
Large item sizes being written to the table.
Why this is correct
Larger items take longer to replicate.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✓
Network latency between the primary and secondary regions.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Auto scaling configuration on the replica table.
Why it's wrong here
Auto scaling adjusts capacity but is not a direct cause of latency; it may help, but not contribute to the issue.
✗
Low read capacity on the replica table.
Why it's wrong here
Read capacity does not affect write latency.
✓
Insufficient write capacity on the replica table.
Why this is correct
If the replica table's write capacity is throttled, replication writes will be delayed.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→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
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A healthcare organisation deploys an application with a public-facing web tier and a private database tier. The database subnet has no public IP and only accepts connections from the web tier's security group. Questions like this test whether you can design cloud network isolation using VNets/VPCs, subnets, and security group rules.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which DBS-C01 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Monitoring and Troubleshooting — This question tests Monitoring and Troubleshooting — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Large item sizes being written to the table. — Global tables replicate writes asynchronously; network latency between regions affects replication. The write capacity on the replica table must be sufficient to handle replication writes. Item size affects write latency. Option D (read capacity) does not affect write latency. Option E (auto scaling) is not a direct cause of high latency.
What should I do if I get this DBS-C01 question wrong?
Identify which DBS-C01 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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.