- A
Query sys.dm_exec_requests and filter on wait_type like PAGEIOLATCH.
PAGEIOLATCH waits indicate I/O bottlenecks.
- B
Enable data compression on large tables to reduce I/O.
Compression reduces page reads, improving I/O.
- C
Increase the database service tier to add more compute resources.
Why wrong: Scaling compute may not resolve I/O bottlenecks; storage is separate.
- D
Use sys.dm_db_resource_stats to see average I/O per minute.
Why wrong: Shows resource consumption but not per query I/O.
- E
Monitor sys.dm_os_performance_counters for CPU usage.
Why wrong: CPU counters don't directly show I/O.
Question 18 of 963
DP-300 Practice Question: Monitor, configure, and optimize database resources
This DP-300 practice question tests your understanding of monitor, configure, and optimize database resources. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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.
Which TWO actions can help you identify and resolve performance bottlenecks related to I/O in an Azure SQL Database?
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
✓
Query sys.dm_exec_requests and filter on wait_type like PAGEIOLATCH.
Options A and B are correct. A: Querying sys.dm_exec_requests with a filter on PAGEIOLATCH wait type identifies queries waiting for I/O, pinpointing I/O bottlenecks. B: Data compression reduces the size of data pages, decreasing I/O operations for large tables. C: Increasing the service tier adds compute resources (CPU/memory) but does not directly address I/O bottlenecks; it may only mask the issue. D: sys.dm_db_resource_stats provides average I/O per minute at the database level, which is useful for monitoring but not for per-query I/O bottleneck identification. E: sys.dm_os_performance_counters for CPU usage tracks CPU performance, not I/O.
Key principle: Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Query sys.dm_exec_requests and filter on wait_type like PAGEIOLATCH.
Why this is correct
PAGEIOLATCH waits indicate I/O bottlenecks.
Related concept
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
- ✓
Enable data compression on large tables to reduce I/O.
Why this is correct
Compression reduces page reads, improving I/O.
Related concept
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
- ✗
Increase the database service tier to add more compute resources.
Why it's wrong here
Scaling compute may not resolve I/O bottlenecks; storage is separate.
- ✗
Use sys.dm_db_resource_stats to see average I/O per minute.
Why it's wrong here
Shows resource consumption but not per query I/O.
- ✗
Monitor sys.dm_os_performance_counters for CPU usage.
Why it's wrong here
CPU counters don't directly show I/O.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: usable hosts are not the same as total addresses
Subnetting questions often tempt you into counting all addresses. In normal IPv4 subnets, the network and broadcast addresses are not usable host addresses.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Shows resource consumption but not per query I/O.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Subnetting questions test whether you can identify the network, broadcast address, usable range, mask and correct subnet. Slow down enough to calculate the block size correctly.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
- Block size helps identify subnet boundaries.
- Network and broadcast addresses are not usable hosts in normal IPv4 subnets.
- The required host count determines the smallest suitable subnet.
TExam Day Tips
- Write the block size before choosing the subnet.
- Check whether the question asks for hosts, subnets or a specific address range.
- Do not confuse /24, /25, /26 and /27 host counts.
Key takeaway
Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A media company stores terabytes of video archives that are accessed once a year for audit purposes. Moving these objects to a cold storage tier (Azure Archive, S3 Glacier, or Google Nearline) costs a fraction of hot storage. Questions like this test whether you understand storage tiers, access frequency tradeoffs, and retrieval latency requirements.
Visual reference
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related DP-300 subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
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Monitor, configure, and optimize database resources — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this DP-300 question test?
Monitor, configure, and optimize database resources — This question tests Monitor, configure, and optimize database resources — CIDR notation defines the prefix length..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Query sys.dm_exec_requests and filter on wait_type like PAGEIOLATCH. — Options A and B are correct. A: Querying sys.dm_exec_requests with a filter on PAGEIOLATCH wait type identifies queries waiting for I/O, pinpointing I/O bottlenecks. B: Data compression reduces the size of data pages, decreasing I/O operations for large tables. C: Increasing the service tier adds compute resources (CPU/memory) but does not directly address I/O bottlenecks; it may only mask the issue. D: sys.dm_db_resource_stats provides average I/O per minute at the database level, which is useful for monitoring but not for per-query I/O bottleneck identification. E: sys.dm_os_performance_counters for CPU usage tracks CPU performance, not I/O.
What should I do if I get this DP-300 question wrong?
Review block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related DP-300 subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
What is the key concept behind this question?
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
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Last reviewed: Jun 21, 2026
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