The correct approach is to use strongly consistent reads only for the access pattern that requires them and eventually consistent reads for the other pattern, as this directly minimizes DynamoDB read consistency cost optimization. DynamoDB charges half the read capacity units for eventually consistent reads compared to strongly consistent reads, so applying the stronger guarantee only where necessary avoids unnecessary expense while still meeting requirements. On the AWS Certified Solutions Architect Professional SAP-C02 exam, this question tests your understanding of DynamoDB’s read model and its cost implications, often appearing as a trap where candidates assume a single configuration or caching solution like DAX is needed. Remember the key memory tip: eventually consistent reads cost half the price, so use them whenever your application can tolerate a slightly stale read—think “half the cost, half the consistency.”
SAP-C02 Design for New Solutions Practice Question
This SAP-C02 practice question tests your understanding of design for new solutions. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 DynamoDB as its primary database. The application has two access patterns: one requires strongly consistent reads, and the other requires eventually consistent reads. The company wants to minimize costs while meeting the read consistency requirements. How should the company configure DynamoDB reads?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "primary"
Why it matters: Asks for the main purpose or function, not a secondary benefit. Eliminate answers that describe side-effects or partial functions.
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.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Use strongly consistent reads for the pattern that requires it, and eventually consistent reads for the other pattern.
Option B is correct because DynamoDB offers both strongly consistent and eventually consistent reads. Eventually consistent reads are half the cost of strongly consistent reads. The application should use strongly consistent reads only when needed. Option A is wrong because using strongly consistent reads for all patterns is more expensive. Option C is wrong because DynamoDB Accelerator (DAX) is for caching, not for consistency. Option D is wrong because there is no option to use both; you choose per request.
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 strongly consistent reads for all read requests to ensure data accuracy.
Why it's wrong here
More expensive than necessary.
✗
Use DynamoDB Accelerator (DAX) to cache reads and achieve strong consistency.
Why it's wrong here
DAX provides eventually consistent caching, not strong consistency.
✗
Use DynamoDB global tables with strongly consistent reads enabled.
Why it's wrong here
Overkill and costly.
✓
Use strongly consistent reads for the pattern that requires it, and eventually consistent reads for the other pattern.
Why this is correct
Optimizes cost by using the cheaper eventually consistent reads when acceptable.
Clue confirmation
The clue words "primary", "minimum / minimize" in the question point toward this answer.
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 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 SAP-C02 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Design for New Solutions — This question tests Design for New Solutions — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Use strongly consistent reads for the pattern that requires it, and eventually consistent reads for the other pattern. — Option B is correct because DynamoDB offers both strongly consistent and eventually consistent reads. Eventually consistent reads are half the cost of strongly consistent reads. The application should use strongly consistent reads only when needed. Option A is wrong because using strongly consistent reads for all patterns is more expensive. Option C is wrong because DynamoDB Accelerator (DAX) is for caching, not for consistency. Option D is wrong because there is no option to use both; you choose per request.
What should I do if I get this SAP-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 SAP-C02 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "primary", "minimum / minimize". Asks for the main purpose or function, not a secondary benefit. Eliminate answers that describe side-effects or partial functions.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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