The answer is to set up replication from the source Redis cluster to Amazon ElastiCache using native Redis replication. This approach achieves minimal downtime because it establishes a continuous, asynchronous data stream from the self-managed Redis to the ElastiCache endpoint, allowing the target to catch up with the source’s high write throughput without interrupting production traffic. Once replication is fully synchronized, you simply redirect your application connections to the ElastiCache endpoint, resulting in a near-zero-downtime cutover. On the AWS Certified Database Specialty DBS-C01 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of Redis replication mechanics versus migration tools like AWS DMS, which does not support Redis as a source, and snapshot-based methods that require downtime for restore. A common trap is assuming BGSAVE or SAVE snapshots are the fastest path, but those still pause writes during the restore phase. Remember: for live, high-throughput Redis, think “replicate, don’t snapshot”—the memory tip is “Replicate to mitigate downtime.”
DBS-C01 Deployment and Migration Practice Question
This DBS-C01 practice question tests your understanding of deployment and migration. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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 has a self-managed Redis cluster that needs to be migrated to Amazon ElastiCache for Redis. The cluster is 100 GB in size and has a high write throughput. The migration must have minimal downtime. Which steps should be taken?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Set up replication from the source to ElastiCache using Redis replication
Option D is correct because setting up replication from the on-premises Redis to ElastiCache using the replication features can achieve minimal downtime. Option A is wrong because AWS DMS does not support Redis as a source. Option B is wrong because taking a snapshot and restoring requires downtime during the restore process. Option C is wrong because the SAVE command is synchronous and can cause performance issues; BGSAVE is preferred.
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.
✗
Use AWS DMS to migrate the data with ongoing replication
Why it's wrong here
DMS does not support Redis as a source.
✗
Take a snapshot of the source and restore to ElastiCache
Why it's wrong here
Snapshot restore requires downtime and does not capture ongoing changes.
✗
Use the SAVE command to create a dump, upload to S3, and import to ElastiCache
Why it's wrong here
SAVE is synchronous and may cause performance issues; BGSAVE is recommended.
✓
Set up replication from the source to ElastiCache using Redis replication
Why this is correct
Replication allows minimal downtime by continuously syncing changes.
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 media company stores terabytes of video archives that are accessed once a year for audit purposes. Moving these objects to a cold storage tier (Azure Archive, S3 Glacier, or Google Nearline) costs a fraction of hot storage. Questions like this test whether you understand storage tiers, access frequency tradeoffs, and retrieval latency requirements.
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.
Deployment and Migration — This question tests Deployment and Migration — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Set up replication from the source to ElastiCache using Redis replication — Option D is correct because setting up replication from the on-premises Redis to ElastiCache using the replication features can achieve minimal downtime. Option A is wrong because AWS DMS does not support Redis as a source. Option B is wrong because taking a snapshot and restoring requires downtime during the restore process. Option C is wrong because the SAVE command is synchronous and can cause performance issues; BGSAVE is preferred.
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.
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Question Discussion
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