- A
Enable a Multi-AZ deployment with one or more readable standby replicas.
Readable standby replicas in Multi-AZ allow read traffic to be directed to the standby, reducing load on the primary and lowering read latency, without code changes.
- B
Implement database sharding across multiple RDS instances.
Why wrong: Sharding requires application-level changes to distribute data and queries, which does not meet the requirement of no code changes.
- C
Enable Multi-AZ on the existing DB instance to provide a standby for failover.
Why wrong: Multi-AZ provides high availability but does not offload read traffic; the standby is not used for reads.
- D
Increase the DB instance class to a larger size.
Why wrong: Scaling up the instance may improve performance but is not the most targeted solution for read-heavy workloads and may be overprovisioned for writes.
Quick Answer
The correct answer is to enable a Multi-AZ deployment with one or more readable standby replicas, as this directly reduces read latency in RDS MySQL without requiring any application code changes. By offloading read-heavy traffic to the standby instance, the primary database is freed from processing those queries, which lowers the CloudWatch ReadLatency metric spikes during peak loads. On the AWS Certified Database Specialty DBS-C01 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of the distinction between standard Multi-AZ (which provides a standby for failover only) and the newer Multi-AZ with readable standbys, which exposes a separate read endpoint. A common trap is assuming that simply enabling Multi-AZ alone will solve read latency—it will not, because the standby is not accessible for reads unless you explicitly enable the readable standby feature. Remember the memory tip: “Reads need a readable standby, not just a standby.”
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 is running a production Amazon RDS for MySQL Multi-AZ DB instance. The database experiences intermittent high latency and the CloudWatch 'ReadLatency' metric spikes during periods of heavy read traffic. The application uses a single database endpoint. What is the MOST effective way to reduce read latency without changing the application code?
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
Enable a Multi-AZ deployment with one or more readable standby replicas.
Option C is correct because enabling Multi-AZ with a read replica allows read traffic to be offloaded to the standby replica, reducing load on the primary and improving read latency, all without application changes. Option A is wrong because increasing instance size may help but is less cost-effective and doesn't specifically target read-heavy workloads. Option B is wrong because enabling Multi-AZ alone does not provide a separate read endpoint. Option D is wrong because Amazon RDS does not support sharding natively without application changes.
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.
- ✓
Enable a Multi-AZ deployment with one or more readable standby replicas.
Why this is correct
Readable standby replicas in Multi-AZ allow read traffic to be directed to the standby, reducing load on the primary and lowering read latency, without code changes.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
- ✗
Implement database sharding across multiple RDS instances.
Why it's wrong here
Sharding requires application-level changes to distribute data and queries, which does not meet the requirement of no code changes.
- ✗
Enable Multi-AZ on the existing DB instance to provide a standby for failover.
Why it's wrong here
Multi-AZ provides high availability but does not offload read traffic; the standby is not used for reads.
- ✗
Increase the DB instance class to a larger size.
Why it's wrong here
Scaling up the instance may improve performance but is not the most targeted solution for read-heavy workloads and may be overprovisioned for writes.
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 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.
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.
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Management and Operations — study guide chapter
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Management and Operations practice questions
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this DBS-C01 question test?
Management and Operations — This question tests Management and Operations — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Enable a Multi-AZ deployment with one or more readable standby replicas. — Option C is correct because enabling Multi-AZ with a read replica allows read traffic to be offloaded to the standby replica, reducing load on the primary and improving read latency, all without application changes. Option A is wrong because increasing instance size may help but is less cost-effective and doesn't specifically target read-heavy workloads. Option B is wrong because enabling Multi-AZ alone does not provide a separate read endpoint. Option D is wrong because Amazon RDS does not support sharding natively without application changes.
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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Last reviewed: Jun 20, 2026
This DBS-C01 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Amazon Web Services certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the DBS-C01 exam.
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