The correct three actions are adding more SAP application servers to the Auto Scaling group, provisioning higher IOPS for the database EBS volumes, and scaling up the application server instance type. This combination directly addresses the two distinct bottlenecks: high CPU on the application tier is resolved by distributing the load across additional servers, while high disk read latency on the HANA database is mitigated by increasing IOPS, which improves throughput for read-heavy operations. On the AWS Certified SAP on AWS Specialty PAS-C01 exam, this scenario tests your ability to separate compute scaling from storage performance tuning, a common trap being the mistaken belief that a read replica or a NAT Gateway would help—neither addresses CPU saturation or EBS latency. Remember the memory tip: “Scale out the app, scale up the IOPS, and never confuse network gateways with performance fixes.”
PAS-C01 Technology Practice Question
This PAS-C01 practice question tests your understanding of technology. Examine the command output carefully: the correct answer depends on what the output actually shows, not on general recall alone. 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.
An SAP system on AWS is experiencing performance issues during peak hours. The system includes SAP application servers and a HANA database. The CloudWatch metrics show high CPU utilization on the application servers and high disk read latency on the database EBS volumes. Which THREE actions should be taken to improve performance?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Increase the provisioned IOPS on the EBS volumes attached to the HANA database.
Option A is correct because adding more application servers distributes load. Option C is correct because provisioning higher IOPS reduces disk latency. Option E is correct because scaling up the instance provides more CPU. Option B is wrong because a NATGateway does not affect performance. Option D is wrong because a read replica does not help with write-heavy workloads or disk latency.
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 provisioned IOPS on the EBS volumes attached to the HANA database.
Why this is correct
Higher IOPS reduces read latency.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
✓
Upgrade the HANA database to a larger instance type with more CPU and memory.
Why this is correct
More CPU addresses high utilization.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
✓
Add more SAP application servers to the Auto Scaling group.
Why this is correct
Increases capacity to handle higher load.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
✗
Add a NAT Gateway to the VPC to improve network performance.
Why it's wrong here
NATGateway is for outbound internet, not for internal performance.
✗
Deploy a read replica for the HANA database.
Why it's wrong here
Read replicas are for read-heavy workloads, not for reducing disk latency.
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
A healthcare organisation deploys an application with a public-facing web tier and a private database tier. The database subnet has no public IP and only accepts connections from the web tier's security group. Questions like this test whether you can design cloud network isolation using VNets/VPCs, subnets, and security group rules.
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 PAS-C01 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Technology — This question tests Technology — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Increase the provisioned IOPS on the EBS volumes attached to the HANA database. — Option A is correct because adding more application servers distributes load. Option C is correct because provisioning higher IOPS reduces disk latency. Option E is correct because scaling up the instance provides more CPU. Option B is wrong because a NAT Gateway does not affect performance. Option D is wrong because a read replica does not help with write-heavy workloads or disk latency.
What should I do if I get this PAS-C01 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 PAS-C01 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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