- A
Enable caching of authorization responses in API Gateway.
Caching reduces Lambda invocations for repeated requests.
- B
Use AWS WAF to block suspicious requests.
Why wrong: WAF does not help with authorizer performance.
- C
Increase the Lambda function timeout.
More time allows the authorizer to complete under load.
- D
Increase the Lambda reserved concurrency.
Why wrong: The issue is timeout, not concurrency.
- E
Enable request validation in API Gateway.
Why wrong: Request validation checks payload, not authorization.
Question 1,472 of 1,746
SAP-C02 Continuous Improvement for Existing Solutions Practice Question
This SAP-C02 practice question tests your understanding of continuous improvement for existing solutions. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 Amazon API Gateway with a Lambda authorizer to authenticate requests. The Lambda authorizer function times out frequently during peak traffic. The company wants to improve authorization performance without changing the authentication logic. Which TWO actions should the company take? (Choose TWO.)
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 caching of authorization responses in API Gateway.
Option A (enabling caching of authorization responses) is correct because it caches the authorizer's response for a specified time, reducing the number of Lambda invocations during peak traffic and improving performance without changing authentication logic. Option C (increasing the Lambda function timeout) is correct because if the authorizer times out during peak traffic, increasing the timeout gives it more time to complete. Option B (using AWS WAF) is incorrect because WAF blocks suspicious requests at the web application layer, but does not improve the performance of the Lambda authorizer. Option D (increasing Lambda reserved concurrency) is incorrect because the issue is timeouts, not concurrency limits; reserved concurrency ensures capacity but does not prevent timeouts. Option E (enabling request validation in API Gateway) is incorrect because request validation checks request structure before reaching the authorizer, but does not affect authorizer performance.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Enable caching of authorization responses in API Gateway.
Why this is correct
Caching reduces Lambda invocations for repeated requests.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✗
Use AWS WAF to block suspicious requests.
Why it's wrong here
WAF does not help with authorizer performance.
- ✓
Increase the Lambda function timeout.
Why this is correct
More time allows the authorizer to complete under load.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✗
Increase the Lambda reserved concurrency.
Why it's wrong here
The issue is timeout, not concurrency.
- ✗
Enable request validation in API Gateway.
Why it's wrong here
Request validation checks payload, not authorization.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: authentication is not authorization
Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Authentication checks who the user is.
- Authorization controls what the user is allowed to do after login.
- Privilege levels affect access to EXEC and configuration commands.
- AAA, TACACS+ and RADIUS can separate login success from command access.
TExam Day Tips
- Do not assume successful login means full administrative access.
- Look for words such as cannot enter configuration mode, privilege level, authorization or command access.
- Separate login problems from permission problems before choosing the answer.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
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.
Quick reference
OSI Model Reference
| Layer | Name | PDU | Key Protocols / Devices |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | Application | Data | HTTP, HTTPS, DNS, SMTP, FTP, SSH |
| 6 | Presentation | Data | TLS / SSL, JPEG, ASCII encoding |
| 5 | Session | Data | NetBIOS, RPC, SIP |
| 4 | Transport | Segment / Datagram | TCP, UDP |
| 3 | Network | Packet | IP, ICMP, OSPF — Routers |
| 2 | Data Link | Frame | Ethernet, Wi-Fi, PPP — Switches, Bridges |
| 1 | Physical | Bits | Cables, NICs, Hubs, Repeaters |
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related SAP-C02 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
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Continuous Improvement for Existing Solutions — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
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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 — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Enable caching of authorization responses in API Gateway. — Option A (enabling caching of authorization responses) is correct because it caches the authorizer's response for a specified time, reducing the number of Lambda invocations during peak traffic and improving performance without changing authentication logic. Option C (increasing the Lambda function timeout) is correct because if the authorizer times out during peak traffic, increasing the timeout gives it more time to complete. Option B (using AWS WAF) is incorrect because WAF blocks suspicious requests at the web application layer, but does not improve the performance of the Lambda authorizer. Option D (increasing Lambda reserved concurrency) is incorrect because the issue is timeouts, not concurrency limits; reserved concurrency ensures capacity but does not prevent timeouts. Option E (enabling request validation in API Gateway) is incorrect because request validation checks request structure before reaching the authorizer, but does not affect authorizer performance.
What should I do if I get this SAP-C02 question wrong?
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related SAP-C02 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Authentication checks who the user is.
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Last reviewed: Jun 20, 2026
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