SAP-C02 Practice Question: Accelerate Workload Migration and Modernization
A company runs a high-traffic web application on physical servers in its own data center. The servers use a proprietary TCP-based protocol on port 9000 that cannot be changed, and the application stores session data in local memory. The company wants to migrate the application to AWS with minimal code changes while enabling horizontal scaling and high availability. Which combination of AWS services should a solutions architect recommend to meet these requirements?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is assuming that an Application Load Balancer can handle any TCP port, when it only supports HTTP/HTTPS/gRPC and would fail to forward the custom protocol.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Use a Network Load Balancer with a TCP listener on port 9000, and store session data in Amazon ElastiCache for Redis.
The proprietary TCP protocol on port 9000 requires a Layer 4 load balancer. A Network Load Balancer supports TCP listeners on any port, preserving the protocol without code changes. Externalizing session state to ElastiCache for Redis removes the dependency on local memory, enabling horizontal scaling. This combination provides high availability and minimal modification.
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 an Application Load Balancer with sticky sessions enabled, and store session data in Amazon ElastiCache for Redis.
Why it's wrong here
An Application Load Balancer operates at Layer 7 and does not support arbitrary TCP protocols on non-standard ports such as port 9000. Sticky sessions would help with session affinity, but the load balancer itself cannot forward the proprietary TCP traffic. ElastiCache for Redis would address session state, but the core requirement of supporting the custom protocol is not met.
- ✗
Use a Network Load Balancer with a UDP listener on port 9000, and store session data in Amazon ElastiCache for Memcached.
Why it's wrong here
The application uses a TCP-based protocol, not UDP. Configuring a UDP listener would not forward TCP traffic and would break connectivity. While ElastiCache for Memcached can store session data, it lacks persistence and advanced features like replication, but the primary failure is the incorrect protocol choice for the load balancer.
- ✗
Use an Application Load Balancer with a TCP listener on port 9000, and store session data in Amazon DynamoDB.
Why it's wrong here
Application Load Balancers do not support TCP listeners; they only support HTTP, HTTPS, and gRPC. While DynamoDB could store session data, the load balancer cannot handle the proprietary TCP protocol on port 9000. This option is invalid because the Application Load Balancer cannot be configured for Layer 4 TCP traffic.
- ✓
Use a Network Load Balancer with a TCP listener on port 9000, and store session data in Amazon ElastiCache for Redis.
Why this is correct
A Network Load Balancer operates at Layer 4 and can forward TCP traffic on any port, including the proprietary protocol on port 9000, without requiring code changes. Storing session data in ElastiCache for Redis externalizes session state, enabling horizontal scaling and high availability. This combination meets all requirements with minimal application modification.
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Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official Amazon Web Services exam blueprint
This SAP-C02 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Amazon Web Services certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the SAP-C02 exam.