Quick Answer
The answer is network latency between the primary and secondary regions. High log write latency on a geo-replicated secondary Azure SQL database occurs because the secondary must continuously receive and apply transaction log records from the primary over the network; any delay in that data transfer directly increases the time required to harden the log on the secondary. This is a core concept tested on the DP-300 exam under the “Monitor and Optimize Operational Resources” domain, where candidates must distinguish between performance issues on the primary versus replication lag. A common trap is assuming the secondary generates its own log or that the primary’s performance is degraded, but since users report normal primary performance, the bottleneck is clearly the inter-region network path. Memory tip: think of the secondary as a “log follower” — if the pipe is slow, the follower falls behind.
This DP-300 practice question tests your understanding of monitor, configure, and optimize database resources. 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 SQL Database with active geo-replication. You notice that the secondary database in a different region has a high log write latency. Users report that the primary database performance is normal. What is the most likely cause?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Clue: "primary"
Why it matters: Asks for the main purpose or function, not a secondary benefit. Eliminate answers that describe side-effects or partial functions.
Insufficient log IOPS on the secondary database
Why wrong: The secondary applies log from primary, not generate its own.
Network latency between the primary and secondary regions
Geo-replication log shipping is affected by network latency.
High CPU usage on the primary database
Why wrong: Primary performance is reported as normal.
Excessive read workload on the secondary database
Why wrong: Read workload does not cause log write latency.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Network latency between the primary and secondary regions
Option D is correct because log write latency on the secondary is typically due to network latency between regions. Option A is wrong because the primary performance is normal. Option B is wrong because the secondary is readable but not for writes. Option C is wrong because the secondary does not generate its own log; it applies log from primary.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Insufficient log IOPS on the secondary database
Why it's wrong here
The secondary applies log from primary, not generate its own.
Network latency between the primary and secondary regions
Why this is correct
Geo-replication log shipping is affected by network latency.
Clue confirmation
The clue words "most likely", "primary" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
High CPU usage on the primary database
Why it's wrong here
Primary performance is reported as normal.
Excessive read workload on the secondary database
Why it's wrong here
Read workload does not cause log write latency.
Common exam traps
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
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.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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
Identify which DP-300 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.
Monitor, configure, and optimize database resources — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Monitor, configure, and optimize database resources — This question tests Monitor, configure, and optimize database resources — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Network latency between the primary and secondary regions — Option D is correct because log write latency on the secondary is typically due to network latency between regions. Option A is wrong because the primary performance is normal. Option B is wrong because the secondary is readable but not for writes. Option C is wrong because the secondary does not generate its own log; it applies log from primary.
Identify which DP-300 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.
Yes — watch for: "most likely", "primary". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Same concept, more angles
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. Your company uses Azure SQL Database with Active Geo-Replication for disaster recovery. During a routine failover drill, you observe that after failover to the secondary region, the application experiences significantly higher latency for write operations. The secondary database is in a different Azure region and has the same service objective. What is the most likely cause of the increased write latency?
mediumWhy D: Option B is correct because geo-replicated secondaries are readable and do not accept write traffic until failover; after failover, the new primary has no geo-secondary configured initially, so writes are not replicated asynchronously, but latency is likely due to the lack of a local secondary. Option A is wrong because service objective is same. Option C is wrong because geo-replication delay affects read scalability, not write latency. Option D is wrong because the secondary is readable but not writable before failover.
Last reviewed: Jun 21, 2026
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