The answer is using provisioned capacity with auto scaling and DynamoDB Accelerator (DAX) to cache read results. For predictable read/write patterns, provisioned capacity with auto scaling dynamically adjusts throughput to match actual usage, preventing the waste of over-provisioned capacity while still handling steady loads efficiently. DAX further reduces costs by offloading repeated read requests from the table to an in-memory cache, cutting down on read capacity unit consumption. On the AWS Certified Developer Associate DVA-C02 exam, this question tests your understanding that on-demand capacity is a cost trap for predictable workloads—it’s designed for unpredictable traffic, not steady patterns. A common trick is choosing global tables or increasing read capacity, which both inflate costs without addressing efficiency. Remember the memory tip: “Steady and known? Provisioned and cache on your own.”
DVA-C02 Troubleshooting and Optimization Practice Question
This DVA-C02 practice question tests your understanding of troubleshooting and optimization. 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.
Which TWO approaches can be used to optimize costs for an Amazon DynamoDB table with predictable read/write patterns? (Select TWO.)
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Use provisioned capacity with auto scaling.
Using provisioned capacity with auto scaling adjusts capacity based on usage, avoiding over-provisioning. DynamoDB Accelerator (DAX) reduces read costs by caching reads. Option A is wrong because on-demand is more expensive for predictable workloads. Option C is wrong because global tables increase costs. Option D is wrong because increasing read capacity units costs more.
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.
✗
Increase the read capacity units to avoid throttling.
Why it's wrong here
Over-provisioning increases cost.
✓
Use provisioned capacity with auto scaling.
Why this is correct
Auto scaling adjusts capacity to actual usage, optimizing cost.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
✗
Use DynamoDB global tables for multi-region replication.
Why it's wrong here
Global tables increase write costs due to replication.
✓
Use DynamoDB Accelerator (DAX) to cache read results.
Why this is correct
DAX reduces the number of reads to the table, lowering cost.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
✗
Use on-demand capacity mode.
Why it's wrong here
On-demand is costlier for predictable workloads than provisioned.
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 DVA-C02 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Troubleshooting and Optimization — This question tests Troubleshooting and Optimization — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Use provisioned capacity with auto scaling. — Using provisioned capacity with auto scaling adjusts capacity based on usage, avoiding over-provisioning. DynamoDB Accelerator (DAX) reduces read costs by caching reads. Option A is wrong because on-demand is more expensive for predictable workloads. Option C is wrong because global tables increase costs. Option D is wrong because increasing read capacity units costs more.
What should I do if I get this DVA-C02 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 DVA-C02 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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