The answer is to create an Aurora MySQL read replica from the RDS MySQL instance, then promote it. This approach works because an Aurora read replica uses MySQL’s native binlog replication to stay synchronized with the source RDS instance, allowing you to migrate RDS MySQL to Aurora with minimal downtime by simply stopping writes to the source and promoting the replica to a standalone Aurora cluster. On the AWS Certified Database Specialty DBS-C01 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of replication-based migration strategies versus offline methods; a common trap is assuming you can replicate from the Multi-AZ standby, but replication is only supported from the primary instance. Remember the key distinction: Aurora read replicas are built for cross-engine promotion, while snapshot restores or DMS tasks introduce downtime or complexity. Memory tip: “Replicate, then promote—don’t snapshot or DMS it.”
DBS-C01 Deployment and Migration Practice Question
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 company is migrating a 500 GB database from Amazon RDS for MySQL to Amazon Aurora MySQL. The migration must be completed with minimal downtime and no data loss. The RDS instance is Multi-AZ. Which approach should be used?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Create an Aurora MySQL read replica from the RDS MySQL instance, then promote it
Option A is correct because creating an Aurora read replica from the RDS MySQL instance allows for a nearly zero-downtime promotion. Option B is wrong because a snapshot restore is offline. Option C is wrong because DMS would introduce additional complexity and potential data loss. Option D is wrong because replication from a Multi-AZ standby is not supported.
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
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Use AWS DMS with ongoing replication from RDS to Aurora
Why it's wrong here
DMS can work but is not the simplest approach for MySQL to Aurora migration.
✗
Take a snapshot of the RDS instance and restore to Aurora
Why it's wrong here
Snapshot restore requires downtime and may not capture ongoing changes.
✗
Set up native MySQL replication from the RDS Multi-AZ standby to Aurora
Why it's wrong here
You cannot directly replicate from a Multi-AZ standby; replication must be from the primary.
✓
Create an Aurora MySQL read replica from the RDS MySQL instance, then promote it
Why this is correct
Aurora MySQL supports creating a read replica from RDS MySQL, allowing minimal downtime.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic
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
How to think about this question
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.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.
TExam Day Tips
→Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
→Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
→Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.
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
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. 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
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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.
Deployment and Migration — This question tests Deployment and Migration — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Create an Aurora MySQL read replica from the RDS MySQL instance, then promote it — Option A is correct because creating an Aurora read replica from the RDS MySQL instance allows for a nearly zero-downtime promotion. Option B is wrong because a snapshot restore is offline. Option C is wrong because DMS would introduce additional complexity and potential data loss. Option D is wrong because replication from a Multi-AZ standby is not supported.
What should I do if I get this DBS-C01 question wrong?
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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Question Discussion
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