The correct answer is to use AWS Schema Conversion Tool for schema conversion, AWS Database Migration Service for full load and ongoing replication, and update the application connection string to the Aurora writer endpoint after cutover. This three-step approach achieves SQL Server to Aurora MySQL migration steps minimal downtime by first converting the SQL Server schema and code to MySQL-compatible format using SCT, then performing a full data load with DMS while enabling continuous replication to keep the target in sync with the source, and finally cutting over by redirecting the application to the Aurora writer endpoint—not the reader endpoint, which handles only read traffic. On the AWS Certified Database Specialty DBS-C01 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of heterogeneous migrations and the critical distinction between writer and reader endpoints; a common trap is selecting the reader endpoint for the primary connection or attempting to create a read replica from Aurora back to on-premises, which is unsupported. Remember the mnemonic SCT-DMS-CUT: Schema conversion, Data migration with replication, then Cutover to the writer endpoint.
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 is migrating a 5 TB Microsoft SQL Server database to Amazon Aurora MySQL. The migration must be completed with minimal downtime. Which THREE steps should the company take? (Select THREE.)
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 to perform a full load and ongoing replication from SQL Server to Aurora.
Options A, B, and D are correct. AWS SCT converts the schema and code from SQL Server to MySQL (A). AWS DMS performs the full data load and ongoing replication (B). After migration, the application connection string is updated to point to the Aurora writer endpoint (D). Option C is wrong because creating a read replica from Aurora to on-premises is not supported. Option E is wrong because the reader endpoint is for read traffic, not for the primary application connection.
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.
✗
Update the application connection string to point to the Aurora reader endpoint.
Why it's wrong here
Reader endpoint is for read-only workloads.
✓
Use AWS DMS to perform a full load and ongoing replication from SQL Server to Aurora.
Why this is correct
DMS handles data migration with minimal downtime.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
✗
Create a read replica of the Aurora database in the same region.
Why it's wrong here
Read replica is not needed for migration; it's for read scaling.
✓
Use AWS SCT to convert the SQL Server schema to MySQL-compatible schema.
Why this is correct
SCT converts schema and code.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
✓
Update the application connection string to point to the Aurora writer endpoint after cutover.
Why this is correct
Application must use the new endpoint.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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: Use AWS DMS to perform a full load and ongoing replication from SQL Server to Aurora. — Options A, B, and D are correct. AWS SCT converts the schema and code from SQL Server to MySQL (A). AWS DMS performs the full data load and ongoing replication (B). After migration, the application connection string is updated to point to the Aurora writer endpoint (D). Option C is wrong because creating a read replica from Aurora to on-premises is not supported. Option E is wrong because the reader endpoint is for read traffic, not for the primary application connection.
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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