- A
Set Lambda reserved concurrency to 5 for each function.
Why wrong: Reserved concurrency limits the number of concurrent executions, which could increase throttling and errors.
- B
Configure provisioned concurrency for all Lambda functions.
Why wrong: Provisioned concurrency addresses cold starts but does not directly reduce errors from DynamoDB throttling.
- C
Enable API Gateway caching with a TTL of 60 seconds.
Caching reduces the number of requests reaching Lambda and DynamoDB, improving latency and reducing load.
- D
Increase the Lambda function timeout to 30 seconds.
Why wrong: Increasing timeout might mask performance issues but does not address root causes like throttling or latency.
- E
Enable DynamoDB auto scaling for the table.
Auto scaling adjusts read/write capacity based on traffic, reducing throttling errors.
Quick Answer
The correct answers are enabling DynamoDB auto scaling for the table and configuring API Gateway caching, as these directly address the root causes of increased latency and 5xx errors. DynamoDB auto scaling dynamically adjusts read and write capacity based on actual traffic patterns, preventing throttling exceptions that cause those errors, while API Gateway caching stores frequent responses so repeated requests bypass Lambda and DynamoDB entirely, reducing load and latency. On the AWS Certified Solutions Architect Professional SAP-C02 exam, this scenario tests your ability to distinguish between scaling solutions and concurrency fixes—a common trap is choosing provisioned concurrency or Lambda reserved concurrency, which solve cold starts or limit throughput but do nothing for DynamoDB throttling. Remember the memory tip: "Cache the front, scale the back"—caching reduces front-end hits, and auto scaling ensures the back-end keeps up with demand.
SAP-C02 Continuous Improvement for Existing Solutions Practice Question
This SAP-C02 practice question tests your understanding of continuous improvement for existing solutions. 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 using AWS Lambda functions behind an Amazon API Gateway REST API. The Lambda functions are written in Python and use the boto3 SDK to interact with DynamoDB. Recently, the company has observed increased latency and occasional 5xx errors from the API. The operations team wants to implement continuous improvements. Which TWO actions should be taken to improve performance and reliability? (Choose 2)
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
Enable API Gateway caching with a TTL of 60 seconds.
Option B: Enabling DynamoDB auto scaling adjusts capacity based on traffic patterns, reducing throttling-related errors. Option C: Configuring API Gateway caching reduces the load on Lambda and DynamoDB for repeated requests. Option A: Increasing Lambda timeout may not address root cause and could mask issues. Option D: Provisioned concurrency helps with cold starts but not with DynamoDB throttling. Option E: Lambda reserved concurrency limits concurrency, which could worsen throttling.
Key principle: Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Set Lambda reserved concurrency to 5 for each function.
Why it's wrong here
Reserved concurrency limits the number of concurrent executions, which could increase throttling and errors.
- ✗
Configure provisioned concurrency for all Lambda functions.
Why it's wrong here
Provisioned concurrency addresses cold starts but does not directly reduce errors from DynamoDB throttling.
- ✓
Enable API Gateway caching with a TTL of 60 seconds.
Why this is correct
Caching reduces the number of requests reaching Lambda and DynamoDB, improving latency and reducing load.
Related concept
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
- ✗
Increase the Lambda function timeout to 30 seconds.
Why it's wrong here
Increasing timeout might mask performance issues but does not address root causes like throttling or latency.
- ✓
Enable DynamoDB auto scaling for the table.
Why this is correct
Auto scaling adjusts read/write capacity based on traffic, reducing throttling errors.
Related concept
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: usable hosts are not the same as total addresses
Subnetting questions often tempt you into counting all addresses. In normal IPv4 subnets, the network and broadcast addresses are not usable host addresses.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Subnetting questions test whether you can identify the network, broadcast address, usable range, mask and correct subnet. Slow down enough to calculate the block size correctly.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
- Block size helps identify subnet boundaries.
- Network and broadcast addresses are not usable hosts in normal IPv4 subnets.
- The required host count determines the smallest suitable subnet.
TExam Day Tips
- Write the block size before choosing the subnet.
- Check whether the question asks for hosts, subnets or a specific address range.
- Do not confuse /24, /25, /26 and /27 host counts.
Key takeaway
Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets.
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 block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related SAP-C02 subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
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Continuous Improvement for Existing Solutions — study guide chapter
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Continuous Improvement for Existing Solutions practice questions
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SAP-C02 question test?
Continuous Improvement for Existing Solutions — This question tests Continuous Improvement for Existing Solutions — CIDR notation defines the prefix length..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Enable API Gateway caching with a TTL of 60 seconds. — Option B: Enabling DynamoDB auto scaling adjusts capacity based on traffic patterns, reducing throttling-related errors. Option C: Configuring API Gateway caching reduces the load on Lambda and DynamoDB for repeated requests. Option A: Increasing Lambda timeout may not address root cause and could mask issues. Option D: Provisioned concurrency helps with cold starts but not with DynamoDB throttling. Option E: Lambda reserved concurrency limits concurrency, which could worsen throttling.
What should I do if I get this SAP-C02 question wrong?
Review block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related SAP-C02 subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
What is the key concept behind this question?
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
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Last reviewed: Jun 20, 2026
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.
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