The answer is to deploy the Redis cluster with Multi-AZ and automatic failover enabled across two Availability Zones. This configuration minimizes patching downtime because ElastiCache performs maintenance by failing over to the replica node in the other AZ first, applying patches to the primary node only after it is demoted, ensuring the cluster remains available throughout the process. On the AWS Certified Solutions Architect Professional SAP-C02 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of high availability patterns for stateful services, often appearing as a distractor where candidates mistakenly choose a single-node cluster or assume blue/green deployments are supported. A common trap is thinking larger node types reduce downtime, but patching still requires a reboot; Multi-AZ is the only native mechanism to eliminate disruption. Memory tip: think “failover first, patch second” to remember that the replica takes over before the primary is touched.
SAP-C02 Design for New Solutions Practice Question
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 highly available web application on AWS. The application consists of an Application Load Balancer (ALB) that distributes traffic to EC2 instances in an Auto Scaling group across multiple Availability Zones. The application state is stored in an Amazon ElastiCache for Redis cluster. The company wants to minimize downtime during patching of the Redis cluster. What should the company do?
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.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Deploy the Redis cluster with Multi-AZ and automatic failover enabled across two Availability Zones.
Option A is correct because deploying ElastiCache for Redis with Multi-AZ with automatic failover allows the cluster to continue operating during maintenance. Option B is wrong because a single node cluster will be unavailable during patching. Option C is wrong because ElastiCache does not support blue/green deployment. Option D is wrong because increasing the node type does not eliminate downtime during patching.
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.
✗
Increase the Redis node type to handle the load and rely on the ElastiCache maintenance window.
Why it's wrong here
Patching still causes downtime regardless of node size.
✗
Use a blue/green deployment strategy by creating a new Redis cluster and switching the application endpoint.
Why it's wrong here
ElastiCache does not natively support blue/green deployments.
✓
Deploy the Redis cluster with Multi-AZ and automatic failover enabled across two Availability Zones.
Why this is correct
Multi-AZ with automatic failover provides high availability during patching.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "minimum / minimize" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
✗
Deploy the Redis cluster as a single node in one Availability Zone and take regular snapshots.
Why it's wrong here
Single node will be unavailable during patching.
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
An e-commerce site experiences heavy traffic on Black Friday and near-zero traffic during off-peak weeks. Rather than provisioning permanent large VMs, the team uses auto-scaling groups that add capacity automatically under load and reduce it overnight. Questions like this test whether you understand elasticity, availability zones, and cloud compute scaling patterns.
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: Deploy the Redis cluster with Multi-AZ and automatic failover enabled across two Availability Zones. — Option A is correct because deploying ElastiCache for Redis with Multi-AZ with automatic failover allows the cluster to continue operating during maintenance. Option B is wrong because a single node cluster will be unavailable during patching. Option C is wrong because ElastiCache does not support blue/green deployment. Option D is wrong because increasing the node type does not eliminate downtime during patching.
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: "minimum / minimize". Asks for the least resource use — fewest addresses, smallest subnet, lowest overhead. Eliminate over-provisioned options even if they would technically work.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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