The answer is to use AWS Snowball Edge to transfer data to an S3 bucket, then AWS DataSync to copy to Amazon FSx for Windows File Server. This is correct because with 50 TB of data and a 100 Mbps connection, a network transfer alone would take over 46 days, far exceeding the one-week deadline, while Snowball Edge provides a fast, offline physical shipment to bypass bandwidth constraints. DataSync then handles the final copy into FSx for Windows File Server, which natively supports NTFS permissions and folder structure, ensuring a seamless migration. On the AWS Certified Solutions Architect Professional SAP-C02 exam, this scenario tests your ability to combine offline and online tools for large-scale migrations, with a common trap being to choose Storage Gateway File Gateway, which still requires slow initial seeding over the network. Remember the key principle: when bandwidth is the bottleneck and time is tight, think Snowball for the heavy lift, then DataSync for the final sync. A useful memory tip is “Snowball for the bulk, DataSync for the polish.”
SAP-C02 Practice Question: Accelerate Workload Migration and Modernization
This SAP-C02 practice question tests your understanding of accelerate workload migration and modernization. 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.
A company is migrating its on-premises file server to AWS. The file server contains 50 TB of data stored on a Windows Server with NTFS permissions. The company needs to maintain the folder structure and permissions after migration. The migration must be completed within one week. The company has a 100 Mbps internet connection. Which approach should the solutions architect recommend?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Use AWS Snowball Edge to transfer data to an S3 bucket, then use AWS DataSync to copy to Amazon FSx for Windows File Server.
Given the data size and limited bandwidth, network transfer would take over 46 days. Using AWS Snowball Edge allows offline transfer of data to AWS, and then using AWS DataSync to copy to Amazon FSx for Windows File Server preserves permissions and structure. Option A is wrong because network transfer is too slow. Option B is wrong because Storage Gateway File Gateway requires network transfer for initial seeding. Option D is wrong because S3 does not support NTFS ACLs natively.
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 Storage Gateway File Gateway to cache data on-premises and sync to S3.
Why it's wrong here
Initial sync still limited by network.
✓
Use AWS Snowball Edge to transfer data to an S3 bucket, then use AWS DataSync to copy to Amazon FSx for Windows File Server.
Why this is correct
Offline transfer bypasses bandwidth; FSx preserves Windows permissions.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
✗
Use AWS DataSync to transfer data directly to Amazon EFS over the internet.
Why it's wrong here
Network bandwidth is insufficient for 50 TB in one week.
✗
Use AWS CLI to copy data directly to an S3 bucket, then mount S3 as a file system.
Why it's wrong here
Cannot preserve NTFS permissions on S3.
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 SAP-C02 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Accelerate Workload Migration and Modernization — This question tests Accelerate Workload Migration and Modernization — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Use AWS Snowball Edge to transfer data to an S3 bucket, then use AWS DataSync to copy to Amazon FSx for Windows File Server. — Given the data size and limited bandwidth, network transfer would take over 46 days. Using AWS Snowball Edge allows offline transfer of data to AWS, and then using AWS DataSync to copy to Amazon FSx for Windows File Server preserves permissions and structure. Option A is wrong because network transfer is too slow. Option B is wrong because Storage Gateway File Gateway requires network transfer for initial seeding. Option D is wrong because S3 does not support NTFS ACLs natively.
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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