The answer is to use AWS DMS with ongoing replication and native backup and restore with log shipping to RDS. These two methods enable SQL Server migration with minimal downtime by continuously synchronizing changes from the source database to the target Amazon RDS instance, allowing you to cut over quickly when ready. AWS DMS captures ongoing transactions via change data capture, while log shipping automatically restores transaction log backups to the RDS endpoint, both keeping the target nearly current. On the AWS Certified Database Specialty DBS-C01 exam, this question tests your understanding of online versus offline migration strategies; a common trap is confusing import/export or S3-based methods, which are offline and cause extended downtime. Remember: if it requires stopping writes, it’s not minimal downtime. For a quick memory tip, think “DMS and logs keep the data flowing” — both rely on continuous replication to avoid a long outage window.
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.
Which TWO options are valid methods for migrating an on-premises SQL Server database to Amazon RDS for SQL Server with minimal downtime? (Choose TWO.)
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 ongoing replication from the source.
Options B and D are correct because AWS DMS with ongoing replication and native backup/restore with log shipping can minimize downtime. Option A is wrong because import/export is offline. Option C is wrong because S3 is not used for direct migration. Option E is wrong because CloudEndure is for servers.
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.
✗
Use AWS CloudEndure to replicate the entire server.
Why it's wrong here
CloudEndure is for server-level disaster recovery, not database migration.
✗
Copy the database files to Amazon S3 and restore to RDS.
Why it's wrong here
RDS for SQL Server does not support restore from S3.
✗
Use SQL Server Import/Export Wizard.
Why it's wrong here
This is an offline method and would cause downtime.
✓
Use AWS DMS with ongoing replication from the source.
Why this is correct
DMS can perform continuous replication to keep the target in sync.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
✓
Use native backup and restore with log shipping to RDS.
Why this is correct
Native backup/restore with transaction log shipping can minimize downtime.
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 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.
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 with ongoing replication from the source. — Options B and D are correct because AWS DMS with ongoing replication and native backup/restore with log shipping can minimize downtime. Option A is wrong because import/export is offline. Option C is wrong because S3 is not used for direct migration. Option E is wrong because CloudEndure is for servers.
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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