Google PCA Practice Question: Analysing and Optimising Technical and Business Processes
A company is migrating 500 TB of on-premises file server data to Cloud Storage. The on-premises network has a 1 Gbps link to Google Cloud, but the migration must complete within 30 days. What is the MOST cost-effective and reliable method?
⚠ Common exam trap
PCA often tests the misconception that a dedicated interconnect or VPN can overcome bandwidth limitations for large transfers within tight deadlines. Candidates may overlook the physical transfer option when network speeds are insufficient.
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
✓
Use Transfer Appliance
Transfer Appliance is the most cost-effective and reliable method for migrating 500 TB over a 1 Gbps link within 30 days. At 1 Gbps, transferring 500 TB would take approximately 46 days (assuming ideal conditions), exceeding the 30-day deadline. Transfer Appliance physically ships the data, bypassing network bandwidth limitations and reducing transfer time to days.
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 Storage Transfer Service over a dedicated interconnect
Why it's wrong here
Transferring 500 TB over a dedicated interconnect at 1 Gbps still exceeds 30 days, and interconnect provisioning plus transfer costs are high. Storage Transfer Service suits ongoing transfers between cloud storage locations or HTTPS sources. The option tempts candidates who assume a dedicated link guarantees the deadline.
- ✗
Deploy a VPN and use gsutil rsync
Why it's wrong here
A VPN over the existing 1 Gbps link cannot move 500 TB within 30 days, since sustained throughput is far below the required rate. VPN plus gsutil rsync suits small incremental transfers, not bulk migrations. The option tempts candidates seeking to avoid hardware shipping costs.
- ✗
Use Database Migration Service
Why it's wrong here
Database Migration Service moves relational database schemas and data, not file server contents, so it cannot transfer files into Cloud Storage. It is the right tool for migrating MySQL, PostgreSQL, or SQL Server workloads with minimal downtime. The option tempts candidates who see 'migration' and assume any migration service handles files.
- ✓
Use Transfer Appliance
Why this is correct
Transfer Appliance ships data physically, bypassing the 1 Gbps link that would take far longer than 30 days for 500 TB. It is cost-effective for bulk offline transfer and reliable, satisfying both the deadline and cost constraints.
Visual reference
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Related to this question
Learn chapter
Cloud SQL and Managed Data Stores
Key term
Data
Data is raw, unprocessed information, like numbers, words, or measurements, that can be stored, processed, and analyzed by computers.
Key term
Bandwidth
Bandwidth is the maximum amount of data that can travel over a network connection in a given amount of time, usually measured in bits per second.
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JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official Google Cloud exam blueprint
This PCA practice question is part of Courseiva's free Google Cloud certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the PCA exam.