A company runs an order system on EC2 with a self-managed PostgreSQL database, a self-managed RabbitMQ broker, and a shared file server for attachments. The team wants to reduce patching, backups, and cluster administration while keeping the architecture simple and using managed services where possible. Which three changes should they make? Select three.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Good practice is not just finding the correct option. The wrong answers often show the exact trap the exam wants you to fall into.
Best answer
Replace the database with Amazon RDS for PostgreSQL.
Amazon RDS handles routine database operations such as backups, patching, and maintenance windows, which reduces administrative overhead. It is the managed-service replacement for a self-managed PostgreSQL database.
Best answer
Replace the broker with Amazon MQ for RabbitMQ.
Amazon MQ provides a managed broker that supports RabbitMQ-compatible messaging, so the team can reduce broker administration without redesigning the messaging model from scratch. This directly addresses patching, cluster management, and broker maintenance.
Best answer
Store attachments in Amazon S3 instead of the shared file server.
S3 replaces the self-managed file server with a fully managed object store that scales without server administration. It is a common, lower-ops choice for application attachments and reduces the need to patch or capacity-plan file infrastructure.
Distractor review
Keep the database on EC2 and add more EBS volumes.
This keeps the database self-managed, so the team still owns patching, backups, and instance administration. More EBS volumes may expand storage, but they do not eliminate the operational burden.
Distractor review
Move RabbitMQ to Dedicated Hosts for better isolation.
Dedicated Hosts address tenancy or licensing requirements, not operational simplification. They do not provide a managed broker and would not reduce the need to administer RabbitMQ itself.
Common exam trap
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.
Technical deep dive
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.
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Question 2
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Question 5
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SAA-C03 question test?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Replace the database with Amazon RDS for PostgreSQL. — The best way to reduce operational work is to replace each self-managed component with an AWS managed equivalent. RDS for PostgreSQL removes most database administration tasks. Amazon MQ provides a managed RabbitMQ-compatible broker so the team can stop managing broker nodes and clusters. S3 removes the need to operate a shared file server for attachments while preserving simple application access to object storage. Keeping the database on EC2 leaves the administration burden in place, and Dedicated Hosts do not turn RabbitMQ into a managed service. Those options fail to reduce patching, backups, and cluster operations.
What should I do if I get this SAA-C03 question wrong?
Then try more questions from the same exam bank and focus on understanding why the wrong options are tempting.
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