The answer is to use API Gateway as the entry point for REST APIs, decompose the monolith into separate Lambda functions per business capability, and use AWS Step Functions to orchestrate multiple Lambda functions. These three patterns form the foundation of serverless microservices design patterns on AWS because they enforce loose coupling, stateless compute, and stateful workflow management—critical for breaking down a legacy CRM into independently deployable services. On the AWS Certified Solutions Architect Professional SAP-C02 exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish core serverless patterns from traditional infrastructure; a common trap is selecting EC2 Auto Scaling or ElastiCache, which are not serverless-native. Remember the mnemonic “GLO” for Gateway, Lambda, Orchestration—if it doesn’t fit that triad, it’s likely a distractor.
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 modernizing a legacy CRM application to a microservices architecture on AWS. They want to use AWS Lambda for compute and Amazon API Gateway for the API layer. Which THREE design patterns should they consider? (Select THREE.)
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Decompose the monolith into separate Lambda functions for each business capability
The three key patterns for serverless microservices are: use API Gateway as the entry point for REST APIs (A), decompose the monolith into separate Lambda functions per business capability (B), and use AWS Step Functions for orchestration (C). Option D (EC2 Auto Scaling) is not serverless. Option E (ElastiCache) is for caching but not a core pattern.
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 Amazon ElastiCache for session state management
Why it's wrong here
While ElastiCache can be used, it is not a core pattern for microservices decomposition.
✓
Decompose the monolith into separate Lambda functions for each business capability
Why this is correct
Each Lambda function becomes a microservice.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
✓
Use API Gateway to expose each microservice as a REST API
Why this is correct
API Gateway is the front door for serverless APIs.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
✗
Use EC2 Auto Scaling groups for each microservice
Why it's wrong here
EC2 is not serverless; the question targets Lambda.
✓
Use AWS Step Functions to orchestrate multiple Lambda functions
Why this is correct
Step Functions coordinates workflow across microservices.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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.
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: Decompose the monolith into separate Lambda functions for each business capability — The three key patterns for serverless microservices are: use API Gateway as the entry point for REST APIs (A), decompose the monolith into separate Lambda functions per business capability (B), and use AWS Step Functions for orchestration (C). Option D (EC2 Auto Scaling) is not serverless. Option E (ElastiCache) is for caching but not a core pattern.
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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Question Discussion
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