The answer is to set up MySQL native replication from EC2 to RDS, then cut over. This strategy is correct because it leverages MySQL’s built-in binary log replication to keep the source and target databases synchronized in near real-time, allowing you to perform the final cutover with only seconds of downtime rather than hours. On the AWS Certified Database Specialty DBS-C01 exam, this question tests your understanding of migration strategies that prioritize high availability and minimal disruption, often contrasting native replication against dump-and-restore or snapshot methods that require application downtime. A common trap is choosing AWS DMS, but native replication is simpler and avoids additional overhead when the source is already MySQL-compatible. Remember the memory tip: “Replicate, then cut—don’t dump and shut.”
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 uses a self-hosted MySQL database on EC2. They want to migrate to Amazon RDS for MySQL with minimal downtime and automated failover. Which migration strategy 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
✓
Set up MySQL replication from EC2 to RDS, then cut over
Option D is correct because setting up replication from EC2 to RDS using MySQL native replication allows near-zero downtime cutover. Option A is wrong because dump/restore requires downtime. Option B is wrong because snapshot restore requires downtime. Option C is wrong because DMS might add complexity and is not necessary if native replication works.
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.
✓
Set up MySQL replication from EC2 to RDS, then cut over
Why this is correct
Native replication allows minimal downtime and automated failover is built into RDS Multi-AZ.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
✗
Use mysqldump to export the database and import to RDS
Why it's wrong here
This requires downtime during export and import.
✗
Take a snapshot of the EC2 instance and restore to RDS
Why it's wrong here
EC2 snapshots are not directly restorable to RDS.
✗
Use AWS DMS with full load and CDC
Why it's wrong here
DMS can work but native replication is simpler and equally effective.
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: Set up MySQL replication from EC2 to RDS, then cut over — Option D is correct because setting up replication from EC2 to RDS using MySQL native replication allows near-zero downtime cutover. Option A is wrong because dump/restore requires downtime. Option B is wrong because snapshot restore requires downtime. Option C is wrong because DMS might add complexity and is not necessary if native replication works.
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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