The answer is to add a random suffix to the partition key values to increase partition cardinality. This works because DynamoDB distributes data and request traffic across partitions based on the unique values of the partition key; when a single key receives a high volume of reads, it creates a "hot partition" that throttles requests even with on-demand capacity, as throttling occurs per partition, not per table. By appending a random suffix, you effectively spread the reads across many distinct logical partitions, distributing the load evenly and eliminating the bottleneck. On the AWS Certified Database Specialty DBS-C01 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of partition design and the difference between on-demand and provisioned capacity—a common trap is assuming on-demand capacity automatically prevents throttling, but it only handles overall table throughput, not individual partition hotspots. Remember the memory tip: "Suffix to fix, prefix to perplex"—adding a suffix randomizes distribution, while a prefix often preserves the original key’s skew.
DBS-C01 Management and Operations Practice Question
This DBS-C01 practice question tests your understanding of management and operations. 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 company runs an Amazon DynamoDB table with on-demand capacity. They notice that a specific partition key receives a high volume of read requests, causing throttling for that partition. What is the BEST solution to distribute the load evenly?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "best"
Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Add a random suffix to the partition key values to increase partition cardinality.
Adding a suffix to the partition key to create multiple partitions distributes read load across partitions.
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.
✗
Create a global secondary index with a different partition key.
Why it's wrong here
A GSI does not affect the base table's partition distribution.
✓
Add a random suffix to the partition key values to increase partition cardinality.
Why this is correct
This spreads reads across multiple partitions, reducing hot spots.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Use DynamoDB Accelerator (DAX) to cache reads.
Why it's wrong here
DAX reduces read load but does not fix partition-level hot spots.
✗
Switch the table to provisioned capacity with auto-scaling.
Why it's wrong here
On-demand already handles bursts; throttling is due to partition-level hot spots.
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 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. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. 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.
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.
Management and Operations — This question tests Management and Operations — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Add a random suffix to the partition key values to increase partition cardinality. — Adding a suffix to the partition key to create multiple partitions distributes read load across partitions.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "best". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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