Question 260 of 977
mediumMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
Disaster Recovery: Synchronous Replication for RPO/RTO
A cloud architect is designing a disaster recovery plan for a cloud-based application. The primary site is in a cloud region, and the recovery site is in a different geographic region. The application uses a relational database with synchronous replication. The recovery time objective (RTO) is 1 hour, and the recovery point objective (RPO) is 15 minutes. Which replication strategy BEST meets these objectives?
Quick Answer
The correct choice is synchronous database replication with automated failover because it guarantees zero data loss by committing every write transaction to both the primary and recovery sites before acknowledging success, effectively achieving a recovery point objective (RPO) of zero. This fully synchronized, hot standby replica can be promoted within seconds to minutes, easily satisfying the 1-hour recovery time objective (RTO). On the CompTIA Cloud+ CV0-004 exam, this scenario tests your understanding that synchronous replication is the only strategy that meets a strict RPO of 15 minutes or less, while automated failover ensures the RTO is met without manual intervention. A common trap is confusing asynchronous replication, which introduces lag and risks data loss, with synchronous replication’s immediate consistency. Remember the mnemonic “Sync for Zero” — synchronous replication means RPO equals zero, making it the go-to for any disaster recovery plan requiring near-instant data integrity across geographic regions.
⚠ Common exam trap
CompTIA often tests the misconception that asynchronous replication (Option B) can meet a low RPO like 15 minutes, but the trap is that asynchronous replication inherently risks data loss equal to the replication lag, which can spike unpredictably under load or network congestion, making it unsuitable for strict RPO requirements.
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
✓
Configure synchronous database replication with automated failover
Synchronous database replication with automated failover ensures that every write transaction is committed to both the primary and recovery site databases before acknowledging success, guaranteeing zero data loss (RPO=0) and near-instantaneous failover within seconds to minutes, which comfortably meets the RTO of 1 hour and RPO of 15 minutes. This strategy directly satisfies the strict RPO requirement by maintaining a fully synchronized, hot standby replica that can be promoted immediately upon failure.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Perform daily backups of the database and restore at the recovery site
Why it's wrong here
Daily backups result in RPO up to 24 hours, exceeding 15 minutes.
- ✗
Use storage-level asynchronous replication between regions
Why it's wrong here
Asynchronous replication may have higher RPO and slower failover.
- ✗
Use a script to copy database logs every hour to the recovery site
Why it's wrong here
Hourly log shipping results in RPO up to 1 hour, exceeding 15 minutes.
- ✓
Configure synchronous database replication with automated failover
Why this is correct
Synchronous replication provides near-zero RPO and fast failover.
Visual reference
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Same concept, more angles
1 more way this is tested on CV0-004
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. A cloud architect is planning a disaster recovery (DR) strategy for a mission-critical application. The RTO must be under 1 hour and RPO under 15 minutes. The primary site is in a different region. Which DR pattern meets these requirements?
medium- A.Backup and restore
- B.Cold standby
- ✓ C.Pilot light
- D.Multi-site active-active
Why C: The pilot light pattern meets the RTO under 1 hour and RPO under 15 minutes because it keeps a minimal core set of services (e.g., database replicating via asynchronous replication) running in the DR region, allowing rapid scale-up of the full application stack during failover. This pattern balances cost and recovery speed, as the replicated data ensures an RPO of seconds to minutes, and the pre-provisioned core infrastructure enables failover within minutes, satisfying the strict RTO.
Last reviewed: Jun 30, 2026
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