Quick Answer
The answer is to use instance types with higher network performance, such as db.r5.large, because replication lag in Amazon RDS read replicas is primarily constrained by network throughput between the primary and replica instances. PostgreSQL’s asynchronous streaming replication relies on the primary sending write-ahead log (WAL) data to the replica over the network; higher network bandwidth directly reduces the time required for this transfer, thereby minimizing lag. On the AWS Certified Solutions Architect Professional SAP-C02 exam, this concept tests your understanding that read replica performance is network-bound, not storage-bound—a common trap is confusing Multi-AZ (which handles failover, not read scaling) or increasing storage (which doesn’t affect network transfer speed) with replication lag reduction. Remember the memory tip: “Lag is about bandwidth, not storage or standby.”
This SAP-C02 practice question tests your understanding of design for new solutions. 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.
A company is designing a new application that will use Amazon RDS for PostgreSQL. They need to implement read replicas to offload read traffic. However, they are concerned about replication lag affecting read consistency. Which action would minimize replication lag?
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.
Increase the allocated storage on the primary instance
Why wrong: Storage size does not directly affect replication lag.
Use an encrypted connection between the primary and replica
Why wrong: Encryption adds overhead, potentially increasing lag.
Enable Multi-AZ on the primary instance
Why wrong: Multi-AZ is for failover, not read replicas.
Use instance types with higher network performance
Higher network performance reduces replication lag.
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 instance types with higher network performance
Using db.r5.large instance types with higher network bandwidth reduces replication lag. Option B (Multi-AZ) is for high availability, not read replicas. Option C (increasing storage) does not directly affect lag. Option D (using encrypted endpoints) does not impact lag.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Increase the allocated storage on the primary instance
Why it's wrong here
Storage size does not directly affect replication lag.
Use an encrypted connection between the primary and replica
Why it's wrong here
Encryption adds overhead, potentially increasing lag.
Enable Multi-AZ on the primary instance
Why it's wrong here
Multi-AZ is for failover, not read replicas.
Use instance types with higher network performance
Why this is correct
Higher network performance reduces replication lag.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "minimum / minimize" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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
Identify which SAP-C02 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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FAQ
Design for New Solutions — This question tests Design for New Solutions — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Use instance types with higher network performance — Using db.r5.large instance types with higher network bandwidth reduces replication lag. Option B (Multi-AZ) is for high availability, not read replicas. Option C (increasing storage) does not directly affect lag. Option D (using encrypted endpoints) does not impact lag.
Identify which SAP-C02 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 20, 2026
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