Quick Answer
The correct action is to change the distribution to round-robin. This resolves data skew in your dedicated SQL pool by distributing rows evenly across all distributions without relying on a hash key, directly addressing the imbalance caused by ProductID 100 and 200 dominating 80% of the data. On the DP-203 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of distribution strategies and their trade-offs: while round-robin eliminates skew and minimizes data movement for simple queries, it can increase shuffle for joins, but it is the best fix when a hash-distributed table suffers severe skew and you cannot redesign the table. A common trap is assuming adding more distributions or indexes will fix the root cause, but only round-robin evenly spreads the load. Memory tip: when a few keys hog the rows, think “round-robin evens the odds.”
This DP-203 practice question tests your understanding of develop data processing. 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.
Your company uses Azure Synapse Analytics to run a data warehouse. You have a dedicated SQL pool with a hash-distributed fact table named Sales. The distribution column is ProductID. You notice that queries against the Sales table are slow due to data skew. After analysis, you find that a few products (e.g., ProductID 100, 200) account for 80% of the rows. You need to optimize query performance without redesigning the entire table. You also need to minimize data movement during queries. Which action should you take?
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.
Change the distribution to round-robin.
Round-robin distributes rows evenly, eliminating skew.
Increase the number of distributions to 120.
Why wrong: More distributions do not solve skew; skew persists.
Change the distribution to replicate for the Sales table.
Why wrong: Replicate is for small tables, not large fact tables.
Create non-clustered indexes on the ProductID column.
Why wrong: Indexes do not fix distribution skew.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Change the distribution to round-robin.
Option B is correct. Round-robin distribution distributes data evenly across distributions, eliminating skew. However, it may increase data movement for joins. Given the severe skew, round-robin is a reasonable trade-off. Option A is wrong because adding more distributions does not fix skew. Option C is wrong because changing to replicate distribution is not suitable for large fact tables. Option D is wrong because creating non-clustered indexes does not address distribution skew.
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
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Change the distribution to round-robin.
Why this is correct
Round-robin distributes rows evenly, eliminating skew.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "minimum / minimize" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
Increase the number of distributions to 120.
Why it's wrong here
More distributions do not solve skew; skew persists.
Change the distribution to replicate for the Sales table.
Why it's wrong here
Replicate is for small tables, not large fact tables.
Create non-clustered indexes on the ProductID column.
Why it's wrong here
Indexes do not fix distribution skew.
Common exam traps
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
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.
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
A cloud solutions architect for a retail company is evaluating services for a new workload. The correct answer here reflects best practice for the specific scenario described — not a general cloud recommendation. NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated. Cloud exam questions reward reading the constraint carefully: the same technology can be right or wrong depending on the use case.
What to study next
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 DP-203 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
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FAQ
Develop data processing — This question tests Develop data processing — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
The correct answer is: Change the distribution to round-robin. — Option B is correct. Round-robin distribution distributes data evenly across distributions, eliminating skew. However, it may increase data movement for joins. Given the severe skew, round-robin is a reasonable trade-off. Option A is wrong because adding more distributions does not fix skew. Option C is wrong because changing to replicate distribution is not suitable for large fact tables. Option D is wrong because creating non-clustered indexes does not address distribution skew.
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 DP-203 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
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.
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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Last reviewed: Jun 21, 2026
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