The answer is to verify the secondary database is in a paired region with low network latency, the seed type is set to automatic, and the failover group is configured with a grace period for data loss. These three settings work together to ensure minimal data loss during an unplanned failover when using active geo-replication: a paired region minimizes replication lag, automatic seeding guarantees the secondary is fully synchronized initially, and a short grace period allows the system to prioritize committing transactions before failing over. On the DP-300 exam, this question tests your understanding of how active geo-replication handles recovery point objectives (RPO) under failure scenarios, and a common trap is confusing the secondary’s read-only status with data loss protection—it does not affect RPO. Remember the mnemonic “P-L-G” for Paired region, Low latency, Grace period to lock in the three settings that safeguard your data.
DP-300 Practice Question: Plan and configure a high availability and disaster recovery environment
This DP-300 practice question tests your understanding of plan and configure a high availability and disaster recovery environment. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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.
You have an Azure SQL Database that uses active geo-replication between two regions. You need to ensure minimal data loss during an unplanned failover while maintaining the current configuration. Which THREE settings should you verify? (Choose three.)
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The replication mode is 'async' (asynchronous) with a low RPO target.
Options A, C, and D are correct. The seed type determines initial synchronization. The secondary type (readable/non-readable) affects performance but not data loss. The failover group name is for management. Option B is wrong because secondary type does not affect data loss. Option E is wrong because it's part of the failover group name.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✓
The replication mode is 'async' (asynchronous) with a low RPO target.
Why this is correct
Async replication is standard; RPO is typically below 5 seconds.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✓
The seed type is set to 'automatic' to ensure continuous replication.
Why this is correct
Automatic seeding ensures data is replicated continuously.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✓
The secondary database is in a paired region with low network latency.
Why this is correct
Paired regions provide optimized replication performance.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The secondary database is configured as 'readable' to avoid lag.
Why it's wrong here
Readable secondary does not affect data loss; it's for read workloads.
✗
The failover group is named with a 'forced' failover policy.
Why it's wrong here
Failover group name does not affect data loss; it's a management setting.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
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
How to think about this question
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.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this DP-300 question in full detail.
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.
Plan and configure a high availability and disaster recovery environment — This question tests Plan and configure a high availability and disaster recovery environment — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The replication mode is 'async' (asynchronous) with a low RPO target. — Options A, C, and D are correct. The seed type determines initial synchronization. The secondary type (readable/non-readable) affects performance but not data loss. The failover group name is for management. Option B is wrong because secondary type does not affect data loss. Option E is wrong because it's part of the failover group name.
What should I do if I get this DP-300 question wrong?
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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