DP-203 Develop data processing Practice Question
You have a production pipeline in Azure Data Factory that copies data from an on-premises SQL Server to Azure Blob Storage using a self-hosted integration runtime. The pipeline fails intermittently with a 'Connection closed' error. The data volume is 50 GB per run. What should you first troubleshoot to resolve this issue?
⚠ Common exam trap
DP-203 often tests the misconception that increasing timeout values or changing copy modes fixes connection errors, when the real issue is usually SHIR resource exhaustion or network reliability.
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
✓
Increase the memory and CPU resources on the self-hosted integration runtime machine and check network stability.
The 'Connection closed' error in a self-hosted integration runtime (SHIR) during large 50 GB transfers typically stems from resource exhaustion or unstable network connectivity on the SHIR host machine. When the SHIR runs out of memory or CPU, or when the network drops packets during long-running transfers, the TCP connection to the on-premises SQL Server is terminated mid-copy. Increasing memory/CPU and verifying network stability directly addresses the root cause of intermittent connection drops.
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 memory and CPU resources on the self-hosted integration runtime machine and check network stability.
Why this is correct
Intermittent 'Connection closed' errors on a self-hosted integration runtime copying 50 GB typically stem from resource exhaustion or unstable network throughput on the runtime host. Increasing CPU and memory and verifying network stability addresses the constrained capacity causing dropped connections before changing pipeline configuration.
- ✗
Increase the 'connection timeout' setting in the linked service to 30 minutes.
Why it's wrong here
A longer connection timeout does not address an intermittently closed connection; the self-hosted integration runtime is likely exhausting concurrent capacity or hitting network instability during the 50 GB transfer. Timeout increases suit consistently slow handshakes, not sporadic mid-transfer drops.
- ✗
Change the copy activity to use staged copy with Azure Blob Storage as an intermediate store.
Why it's wrong here
Staged copy routes data through Blob Storage before loading, adding latency and cost without addressing why the self-hosted integration runtime's connection closes mid-transfer. Staged copy is chosen when the sink cannot accept the source format directly, or for PolyBase-style loading into Synapse.
- ✗
Disable fault tolerance in the copy activity to improve performance.
Why it's wrong here
Disabling fault tolerance makes the copy activity abort on the first incompatible row or transient read error, worsening intermittent failures rather than resolving the closed connection. Fault tolerance is intended to skip malformed rows when loading imperfect source data, not to stabilise network transport.
Visual reference
Quick reference
Azure Blob Storage Tier Comparison
| Tier | Storage Cost | Retrieval Cost | Latency | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hot | Highest | Lowest | Immediate | Active data, frequent reads |
| Cool | Lower | Higher | Immediate | Data accessed < once / month |
| Cold | Lower still | Higher | Immediate | Data accessed < once / quarter |
| Archive | Lowest | Highest + rehydration delay | Hours | Long-term compliance retention |
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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 Microsoft exam blueprint
This DP-203 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Microsoft 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 DP-203 exam.