How to Replicate Aurora MySQL Cross-Region for DR at Lowest Cost?
Design a solution to ensure business continuity.
Determine a cost optimization strategy to meet solution goals and objectives.
Answer
Correct answer: A — Use an Aurora global database with a secondary Aurora cluster in another Region, which meets the 1-hour RPO and provides the lowest-cost valid DR replication.
A company runs an ecommerce application in a single AWS Region. The application uses a five-node Amazon Aurora MySQL DB cluster to store information about customers and their recent orders. The DB cluster experiences a large number of write transactions throughout the day. The company needs to replicate the data in the Aurora database to another Region to meet disaster recovery requirements. The company has an RPO of 1 hour. Which solution will meet these requirements with the LOWEST cost?
Community Insight
The question tests cross-Region DR for Aurora and the trap is choosing DMS CDC or hourly backups because they seem cheaper while ignoring restorability and Aurora backup constraints.
Aurora Global Database is the valid cross-Region disaster recovery solution for an Aurora MySQL cluster with a one-hour RPO. The page explains why the lower-cost-sounding DMS-to-S3 and hourly backup options do not provide a directly restorable Aurora database.
A common wrong choice is DMS change data capture to S3 in another Region; it can replicate changes, but the resulting Parquet or CSV files are not a restorable Aurora disaster recovery copy.
Community Discussion (71 comments)
wmp7039
👍 1
Selected: D
Hourly backups with another Region as the copy destination (an AWS Backup plan — hence the "resource assignment" wording) satisfies a 1-hour RPO and is just storage cost, no continuously running replication infrastructure.
AlexD332
👍 1
Selected: D
Configure cross-Region backups using Amazon Aurora automated backups Backup frequency: 1 hour Copy to another Region Meets RPO 1 hour Lowest operational cost
EzKkk
👍 1
Selected: D
D is the obvious answer. Aurora can use AWS Backup as backup mechanism and set the frequency to every hour. A - Wrong because global db is very expensive B - Backtrack is irrelevant C - This might work but its not the cheapest
aka1177
👍 1
Selected: A
Answer is A; C is incorrect since is not use Full load, but only CDC. Also there is a statement that DB has a lot of writes, So CDC won't manage replication in an hour.
Asagumo
👍 1
Selected: D
Dは AWS Backup を利用するという記述が抜けています。それも推測するのがプロフェッショナルです。
Deztroyer88
👍 1
Selected: A
C may be most cost effective, but do you have any idea on how long it will take to restore a DB from S3 ?
4845c28
👍 2
Selected: A
C is wrong. CDC task type only captures changes from source databases after we start the task. This is usefull when target already contains up to date data. In option C there is nothing mentioned about backing up database first. And on top of that using DMS for backing up data is like using fork to eat the soop, technically you can do it but come on A is wrong becase you cannot disable default backups. Global database may not be the cheapeast option but is the only correct one
CAIYasia
👍 1
Selected: C
D is wrong. Aurora’s built-in automated backups are continuous but not customizable in frequency
ahhatem
👍 1
Selected: A
I don't know but isn't the exam supposed to be about being a professional architect? What kind of professional architect would recommend C knowing that a 100 thing can go wrong in such a solution!
0dc6cac
👍 1
pretty sure a professional architect would read the question and understand that it's looking for the best cost-effective solution.
kgpoj
👍 1
For those who are voting for D, here are a few simple facts: - You can’t disabled Aurora automated backup; - You can’t change Aurora backup frequency - it’s automated and point in time, you just need to define retention period which is the period for which you can perform a point-in-time recovery(1 day for free, max 35)
Daniel76
👍 1
Between A and C, I choose A. https://docs.aws.amazon.com/AmazonRDS/latest/AuroraUserGuide/aurora-global-database-getting-started.html#aurora-global-database-attaching For C, note there's high volume of write daily. Can CDC to S3 bucket in another region keep up with 1 hour RPO? Although C has considered lowest cost for backup, does it consider the time taken to restore to full aurora database in the second region up and running?
kgpoj
👍 4
Selected: C
Ask for 1 hour RPO, cheapest Aurora Global can do 1 second RPO, but expensive DMS with CDC can do 1-hour RPO and cheaper
trungtd
👍 2
Selected: C
Option A will replicate "the whole database", we only need "data"
kgpoj
👍 1
BrijMohan08 is wrong. The smallest value you can set for automated backup retention period is 1 day.
BrijMohan08
👍 4
Selected: D
option D provides the most cost-effective solution by leveraging Aurora backups with a 1-hour frequency and cross-Region replication to meet the disaster recovery requirements with the desired RPO.
YOUSSEFSWAID
👍 1
Selected: C
RPO is a requirement and not RTO. They are talking about replicating the data in the Aurora database to another Region to meet disaster recovery requirements.
TonytheTiger
👍 5
Selected: A
My head hurts after the reading the last 2 questions and 45 mins later, still confuse. I am looking at the key requirements, RPO <1h, meet DR requirements, and LOWEST Cost. After reading the link below and all of the comments, I think Option A fulfil all the requirements in the question. https://docs.aws.amazon.com/AmazonRDS/latest/AuroraUserGuide/aurora-global-database.html
teo2157
👍 6
Selected: A
Github copilot While AWS Database Migration Service (DMS) can be used to replicate ongoing changes from the Aurora database to an Amazon S3 bucket in another region using a change data capture (CDC) task, it's important to note that DMS does not create a standard SQL dump or backup file that can be directly restored to an Aurora database. The data migrated to S3 by DMS is in Apache Parquet format, a columnar storage file format optimized for speed and for a small footprint. This format is not directly restorable to an Aurora database. If you need to restore the data to an Aurora database, you would need to use a service like AWS Glue or Amazon Athena to read the data from S3 and then insert it into Aurora. This process could be complex and time-consuming, and might not meet your RPO of 1 hour.
sashenka
👍 1
RTO is not mentioned in the requirements so all we care about is the RPO of the data. We do not care about the format either so long as all the data is there as of an hour or less prior to the disaster.
teo2157
👍 1
Selected: A
Use AWS Database Migration Service (AWS DMS). Create a DMS change data capture (CDC) task that replicates the ongoing changes from the Aurora database to an Amazon S3 bucket in another Region. Is it possible to restore data from the S3 bucket to an Aurora Database?
adelynllllllllll
👍 1
D: the auto back can be disabled, see the link below: https://repost.aws/questions/QU1FrG5tQkQwi-yHbhT_EdvA/easily-turn-off-the-auto-backups-snapshots-for-rds
thotwielder
👍 1
The link is for RDS not Aurora.
dankositzke
👍 2
Selected: C
C is the least worst answer
Wardove
👍 4
Selected: D
not C because.. DMS is not cheap and moreover, DMS S3 Target support either .csv or parquet format.. good luck with restoring this data into a database from s3 this is not a Disaster Recovery this is purely "playing around with data in a Disaster situation"
07c2d2a
👍 2
did you actually see any of the same questions on the test?
career360guru
👍 2
Selected: C
As there is no RTO C is best and most cost-effective.
severlight
👍 1
Selected: C
we assume that dms instance is deployed in a different region and somehow accesses the aurora instance, through the public endpoint or with vpc connection or any other way, and then replicates changes to the bucket in the same region it resides(different region for aurora)
KCjoe
👍 4
I thought it has 304 questions, how come there is no more next page?
yorkicurke
👍 2
i wonder myself
kjcncjek
👍 5
its can't be D You can't disable automated backups on Aurora. The backup retention period for Aurora is managed by the DB cluster. so answer is C
kgpoj
👍 1
Clearly, a lot of ppl still don't know what Aurora automated backup means. The backup retention period determines the period for which you can perform a point-in-time recovery. Aurora offers 1-day backup retention for free!
BrijMohan08
👍 1
You can set the retention period to 0 to disable the automated backup.
aviathor
👍 2
Selected: C
Although I also lean towards C, the problem is that I think the solution is not complete with only the CDC. We would also need a backup from which to recover the databases before applying the changes.
dankositzke
👍 1
Good point
longngo0924
👍 3
Before considering the cost, please consider the ability of solution. B. Backtrack feature is mainly use for solved incorrect data or configuration but don't clone to new DB, just roll-back to a PITR. C. How can create a S3 as a target for DMS in other regions? It must be the same region with DMS. https://docs.aws.amazon.com/dms/latest/userguide/CHAP_Target.S3.html#CHAP_Target.S3.Prerequisites D. Cannot turn off automatic backup of Aurora, the automatic backup range is 1 to 35 days. Disable require 0 day but don't have any option which is 0 day. So, the answer A is reasonable.
aviathor
👍 1
Who said DMS had to be configured in the source region? Actually it is recommended to configure DMS in the target region. So DMS to S3 it is! C
softarts
👍 1
Selected: C
lean to C, but C doesn't backup the full data?
aviathor
👍 1
Yep, so you configure DMS in the target region.
breadops
👍 1
Selected: C
No RTO = C https://docs.aws.amazon.com/dms/latest/userguide/CHAP_Target.S3.html
khksoma
👍 1
Prerequisites for using Amazon S3 as a target Before using Amazon S3 as a target, check that the following are true: The S3 bucket that you're using as a target is in the same AWS Region as the DMS replication instance you are using to migrate your data.
MegalodonBolado
👍 2
C looks more like a workaround than an architected solution. Also, I don't know how to confirm RPO < 1 hour if data amount wasn't provided. Vote: A
khksoma
👍 2
I dont think it can be C. Check the pre-req for S3 to be the target in this link. https://docs.aws.amazon.com/dms/latest/userguide/CHAP_Target.S3.html
ggrodskiy
👍 4
Correct A. We have an RPO of 1 hour, which means you can tolerate losing up to 1 hour of data in case of a disaster. However, you also need to consider the cost and the recovery time objectives (RTO) of your solution. Using AWS DMS will cost more than using Aurora global database, and it will take longer to recover your data from S3 to a new database. Aurora global database will replicate your data to another Region with low latency, and it will allow you to fail over to the secondary DB cluster in minutes if the primary Region is unavailable. Therefore, Aurora global database is a better solution for your requirements.
dkx
👍 4
A. No, because this will create more database resources and the question is asking about 'replication of data', not 'replication of databases' B. No, because a daily copy does not meet the RPO of 1 hour requirement C. Yes, because using DMS CDC to replicate ongoing changes addresses the large number of write transactions throughout the day and the RPO of 1 hour requirement D. No, because this just writes the active DB cluster's logs to a different region on an hourly basis. Note, this question and answer choices are poorly worded.
NikkyDicky
👍 1
Selected: C
best guess is C, since can't disable aurora backups and global DB is expensive
YodaMaster
👍 35
Selected: C
Good luck for the exams. I know I'm gonna fail coz it takes me 3 hours just to read the questions. >:(
yog927
👍 12
The trick is not to read the question first. Here is what I do: 1. Read all options. 2. Eliminate the incorrect ones, and settle on 1 or 2 options. 3. Scroll through the question last.
AMYMY
👍 1
I failed just cuz of time mngmnt ,now I'm here again to give myself one more chance,...:-(,..... Anyone here's to help me with exam by sharing their experience??
yorkicurke
👍 3
any news about your exam?
SkyZeroZx
👍 21
if you got far it means you are persistent, good luck on your exam
NikkyDicky
👍 1
Selected: C
C would be a better, less costly option, given that there are no RTO requirements
javitech83
👍 3
Selected: C
Correct is C. Is cheaper and we do not need a RTO, just RPO
SmileyCloud
👍 2
Selected: C
C - lowest cost. Otherwise A.
javitech83
👍 1
you are right, it does not state RTO so the cheaper is C
Jonalb
👍 3
Selected: A
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
nexus2020
👍 1
Why A is not the answer: Global Database cost a lot more, and offer almost RPO in SECONDS, not 1 hour, so A would not meeting the 1 hour RPO and low cost. C is the better choice.
nexus2020
👍 1
question is asking which one is cheaper, and GLOBAL Database cost a lot more
easytoo
👍 1
c-c-c-c-c-c-c
easytoo
👍 1
AWS DMS provides a cost-effective solution for replicating data between different database engines and AWS Regions. By creating a DMS CDC task, you can capture the ongoing changes from the Aurora database and replicate them to an Amazon S3 bucket in another Region. This approach allows for near real-time replication with an RPO of 1 hour. Compared to the other options, using AWS DMS eliminates the need for maintaining a separate Aurora database or modifying the database configuration. It leverages the scalability and cost-effectiveness of Amazon S3 for storing the replicated data. Please note that the specific implementation details and costs may vary based on the data volume, network bandwidth, and other factors. It's recommended to evaluate the requirements and consult the AWS documentation for detailed guidance on setting up and configuring AWS DMS.
NETeng01
👍 1
You can't disable automated backups on Aurora. The backup retention period for Aurora is managed by the DB cluster.
SkyZeroZx
👍 3
Selected: A
Amazon Aurora Global Database is designed for globally distributed applications, allowing a single Amazon Aurora database to span multiple AWS regions. B: Backtrack is a feature that lets you quickly move your Aurora database back in time without needing to restore data from a backup. C: AWS DMS (Database Migration Service) is generally used for database migrations, not for continuous replication for disaster recovery purposes.
Maria2023
👍 2
Selected: C
I vote for C. A appears to be a costly option for DR with a RPO of 1 hour
nexus2020
👍 1
Yes C better with RPO and cost
Jackhemo
👍 2
C is the answer.
gd1
👍 2
Selected: A
Amazon Aurora Global Database is designed for globally distributed applications, allowing a single Amazon Aurora database to span multiple AWS regions. B: Backtrack is a feature that lets you quickly move your Aurora database back in time without needing to restore data from a backup. C: AWS DMS (Database Migration Service) is generally used for database migrations, not for continuous replication for disaster recovery purposes.
PhuocT
👍 1
Thanks, so, what is your option? I still select option A, though.
i_am_robot
👍 4
Selected: A
Amazon Aurora Global Database is designed for globally distributed applications, allowing a single Amazon Aurora database to span multiple AWS regions. It replicates your data with no impact on database performance, enables fast local reads with low latency in each region, and provides disaster recovery from region-wide outages. This setup would allow your application to meet the RPO of 1 hour because data written to the primary AWS region is replicated to the secondary region typically in less than a second. Other options like using AWS Database Migration Service (DMS) or configuring backups to another region or enabling backtrack would not be as efficient or cost-effective. DMS and Backtrack may add complexity and additional cost. Turning off automated Aurora backups and configuring them manually could potentially risk data loss if not managed properly.
PhuocT
👍 1
I think the correct answer is A. Why C is not a good options although it has lowest cost. CDC to S3, will the time to apply that change, will not meet the RPO of 1hour when the incident happen.
Jackhemo
👍 1
Remember we are talking RPO, not RTO.
psyx21
👍 1
Selected: C
Correct Answer is C
Comments & Corrections
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Expert Analysis
Why the Answer Is Correct
Aurora Global Database is AWS's managed cross-Region replication feature for Aurora. It creates a secondary Aurora cluster in the DR Region and continuously replicates storage, giving an RPO far below the required one hour and a directly promotable Aurora database. For a five-node write-heavy MySQL cluster, this avoids building and operating a separate CDC and ETL pipeline. Although the secondary Region has instance and cross-Region transfer costs, among the options that actually deliver restorable Aurora DR it is the lowest-cost valid solution. The question's LOWEST cost requirement must be read together with the DR and RPO requirements, not as permission to store unusable change files.Why the Other Options Are Wrong
B uses Backtrack, which only rewinds the same cluster in place, and a daily Lambda snapshot copy gives an RPO of up to 24 hours, not 1 hour. C's DMS CDC task to S3 can capture changes within the RPO window, but S3 Parquet or CSV change files are not an Aurora backup and cannot be promoted or restored directly as a database in the DR Region; using them for DR requires ETL and reload, which does not meet the stated objective. D suggests turning off Aurora automated backups, which is not possible for Aurora, and hourly backup copies would still be snapshot-based rather than continuous replication for a reliable one-hour RPO. That makes D unimplementable as written and still weaker for DR than an Aurora global database.Community Comment Notes
TonytheTiger focused on the key requirements, including RPO under one hour, DR, and lowest cost, and pointed to the Aurora Global Database documentation, which aligns with A. Wardove argued that DMS-to-S3 is "not a Disaster Recovery" because Parquet or CSV files are not directly restorable into a database. kjcncjek noted that "You can't disable automated backups on Aurora," which undermines option D. kgpoj observed that Global Database can achieve a one-second RPO but is more expensive; that cost point is real, yet C and D do not provide a valid restorable Aurora DR target, so cost alone cannot make them correct. Some learners selected C, but their rationale stops at replication-to-S3 rather than database recovery.Official Reference
Exam Strategy
For SAP-C02 DR questions, first verify that the option creates a restorable workload in the target Region, then compare cost and RPO. Eliminate choices that only copy change files or snapshots when the requirement is database recovery, and watch for unsupported actions such as disabling Aurora automated backups.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is DMS CDC to S3 not a valid Aurora DR solution here?
DMS writes change data as CSV or Parquet in S3, not a restorable Aurora cluster. Restoring would require ETL and reload, so it does not meet the database DR requirement.
Can Aurora automated backups be disabled to use hourly cross-Region backups?
Aurora automated backups cannot be disabled; retention is managed at the DB cluster level. That makes option D not implementable as written.
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