- A
Modify the 'max_connections' parameter to a higher value and reboot the instance.
Increasing max_connections allows more concurrent connections and resolves the error.
- B
Increase the 'max_replication_slots' parameter to allow more replication connections.
Why wrong: The error is not related to replication slots.
- C
Increase the value of the 'superuser_reserved_connections' parameter.
Why wrong: Reserving more slots for superusers does not solve the general connection shortage.
- D
Enable RDS Proxy to manage database connections efficiently.
Why wrong: RDS Proxy helps with connection pooling but does not directly increase max_connections.
Question 1,585 of 1,730
DBS-C01 max_connections 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. A key principle to apply: max_connections. 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 database specialist is troubleshooting an Amazon RDS for PostgreSQL instance that is experiencing intermittent connection timeouts. The application logs show errors like 'FATAL: remaining connection slots are reserved for non-replication superuser connections'. The max_connections parameter is set to 100. What should the specialist do to resolve this issue?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Modify the 'max_connections' parameter to a higher value and reboot the instance.
Option A is correct because the error indicates that the maximum number of connections has been reached. Increasing the max_connections parameter allows more concurrent connections, resolving the issue. Option B is incorrect because the error is about regular connections, not replication slots. Option C is incorrect because the superuser_reserved_connections parameter reserves slots for superusers; the error is about all connection slots being exhausted. Option D is incorrect because RDS Proxy manages connection pooling but does not increase the connection limit.
Key principle: max_connections
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Modify the 'max_connections' parameter to a higher value and reboot the instance.
Why this is correct
Increasing max_connections allows more concurrent connections and resolves the error.
Related concept
max_connections
- ✗
Increase the 'max_replication_slots' parameter to allow more replication connections.
Why it's wrong here
The error is not related to replication slots.
- ✗
Increase the value of the 'superuser_reserved_connections' parameter.
Why it's wrong here
Reserving more slots for superusers does not solve the general connection shortage.
- ✗
Enable RDS Proxy to manage database connections efficiently.
Why it's wrong here
RDS Proxy helps with connection pooling but does not directly increase max_connections.
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
Treat this as a scenario question. Identify the problem, the constraint, and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- max_connections
- superuser_reserved_connections
- RDS Proxy
TExam Day Tips
- 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
max_connections
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A startup's cloud architect reviews their monthly bill and notices costs are higher than expected for a long-running batch job. Switching from on-demand instances to Reserved Instances — or using Spot/Preemptible VMs — can reduce compute costs by up to 72 %. Questions like this test whether you understand the tradeoffs between commitment, flexibility, and cost across cloud pricing models.
Visual reference
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review max_connections, then practise related DBS-C01 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
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Monitoring and Troubleshooting — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this DBS-C01 question test?
Monitoring and Troubleshooting — This question tests Monitoring and Troubleshooting — max_connections.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Modify the 'max_connections' parameter to a higher value and reboot the instance. — Option A is correct because the error indicates that the maximum number of connections has been reached. Increasing the max_connections parameter allows more concurrent connections, resolving the issue. Option B is incorrect because the error is about regular connections, not replication slots. Option C is incorrect because the superuser_reserved_connections parameter reserves slots for superusers; the error is about all connection slots being exhausted. Option D is incorrect because RDS Proxy manages connection pooling but does not increase the connection limit.
What should I do if I get this DBS-C01 question wrong?
Review max_connections, then practise related DBS-C01 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
What is the key concept behind this question?
max_connections
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Last reviewed: Jun 20, 2026
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