The correct answer is AWS Snowball Edge for migrating the large SAP HANA database offline. This is the most suitable strategy because a 1 Gbps network link would take over 22 hours for a 10 TB transfer under ideal conditions, while Snowball Edge bypasses network bandwidth entirely by physically shipping a high-capacity storage device. On the AWS Certified SAP on AWS Specialty PAS-C01 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of offline data transfer options for large-scale SAP HANA migrations when time constraints and network limitations collide. A common trap is choosing AWS DMS, which is optimized for ongoing replication but impractical for a one-time 10 TB load over slow links, or AWS Direct Connect, which still requires provisioning time and is capped at 1 Gbps. Remember the key trade-off: when the migration window is tight and the pipe is narrow, Snowball Edge turns a network problem into a logistics problem. Memory tip: “Big data, small pipe? Snowball’s your grip.”
PAS-C01 Migration Practice Question
This PAS-C01 practice question tests your understanding of migration. 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 migrating a 10 TB SAP HANA database to AWS. They have a limited time window and need to minimize migration time. The database is running on a physical server with 1 Gbps network link to AWS. Which migration strategy is MOST suitable?
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
✓
Use AWS Snowball Edge to transfer the database files offline
Option B is correct because AWS Snowball Edge provides a high-capacity physical device for offline data transfer, avoiding network bandwidth limitations. Option A is wrong because DMS over a 1 Gbps link would take too long for 10 TB. Option C is wrong because AWS SCT is for schema conversion, not data transfer. Option D is wrong because AWS Direct Connect requires setup time and still limited by 1 Gbps.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
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 AWS Direct Connect to increase bandwidth before migration
Why it's wrong here
Direct Connect installation takes weeks, not feasible for limited time window.
✓
Use AWS Snowball Edge to transfer the database files offline
Why this is correct
Snowball Edge can transfer 10 TB quickly via physical shipment.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "minimum / minimize" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Use AWS SCT to convert the database and then use DMS
Why it's wrong here
SCT does not handle large data transfer.
✗
Use AWS DMS over the existing network link
Why it's wrong here
1 Gbps link would take over 24 hours, exceeding the time window.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
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.
Identify which PAS-C01 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Migration — This question tests Migration — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Use AWS Snowball Edge to transfer the database files offline — Option B is correct because AWS Snowball Edge provides a high-capacity physical device for offline data transfer, avoiding network bandwidth limitations. Option A is wrong because DMS over a 1 Gbps link would take too long for 10 TB. Option C is wrong because AWS SCT is for schema conversion, not data transfer. Option D is wrong because AWS Direct Connect requires setup time and still limited by 1 Gbps.
What should I do if I get this PAS-C01 question wrong?
Identify which PAS-C01 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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