Quick Answer
The answer is to use AWS DMS with full load only. This is the correct choice because a 1 TB database can be fully transferred within the 4-hour window over a 1 Gbps link—theoretical throughput allows roughly 450 GB per hour—and since the database is idle, no ongoing change capture is needed, making a full load the fastest and most cost-effective approach. On the AWS Certified Database Specialty DBS-C01 exam, this scenario tests your ability to match migration strategy to bandwidth, data size, and downtime constraints; a common trap is overcomplicating the solution with Snowball or native backup/restore, which add unnecessary latency and cost for a single terabyte over a gigabit pipe. Remember the memory tip: “Full load for idle, full pipe”—if the database is quiet and bandwidth is ample, skip CDC and just dump the data.
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 is migrating a 1 TB SQL Server database to Amazon RDS for SQL Server. The migration window is 4 hours. The on-premises network bandwidth is 1 Gbps. The database is not actively used during the migration window. The team wants to minimize migration time and cost. Which migration strategy is most appropriate?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "minimum / minimize"
Why it matters: Asks for the least resource use — fewest addresses, smallest subnet, lowest overhead. Eliminate over-provisioned options even if they would technically work.
Use SQL Server BCP utility to export data and then import using DTS.
Why wrong: Slower and more complex than DMS.
Use AWS Snowball to transfer the database files.
Why wrong: Snowball adds shipping delays and is not needed.
Create a native backup, upload to S3, restore to RDS.
Why wrong: Upload time ~2.5 hours, plus restore; may exceed 4 hours.
Use AWS DMS with full load only.
DMS can complete full load within 4 hours over 1 Gbps.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Use AWS DMS with full load only.
Option C is correct: using AWS DMS with full load is the fastest and most cost-effective. Option A is wrong because BCP/DTS may be slower. Option B is wrong because native backup/restore requires S3 transfer and is slower. Option D is wrong because Snowball is unnecessary for 1 TB over 1 Gbps.
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
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Use SQL Server BCP utility to export data and then import using DTS.
Why it's wrong here
Slower and more complex than DMS.
Use AWS Snowball to transfer the database files.
Why it's wrong here
Snowball adds shipping delays and is not needed.
Create a native backup, upload to S3, restore to RDS.
Why it's wrong here
Upload time ~2.5 hours, plus restore; may exceed 4 hours.
Use AWS DMS with full load only.
Why this is correct
DMS can complete full load within 4 hours over 1 Gbps.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "minimum / minimize" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
Common exam traps
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
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.
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
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
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 — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Deployment and Migration — This question tests Deployment and Migration — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
The correct answer is: Use AWS DMS with full load only. — Option C is correct: using AWS DMS with full load is the fastest and most cost-effective. Option A is wrong because BCP/DTS may be slower. Option B is wrong because native backup/restore requires S3 transfer and is slower. Option D is wrong because Snowball is unnecessary for 1 TB over 1 Gbps.
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.
Yes — watch for: "minimum / minimize". Asks for the least resource use — fewest addresses, smallest subnet, lowest overhead. Eliminate over-provisioned options even if they would technically work.
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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