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AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate Exam Question Walkthrough
Explore a common AWS exam question about EBS volume types and learn how to choose the right one for high IOPS.
Choosing the right EBS volume type can trip up many candidates. Understanding the specific needs of your application is crucial for success.
The question
A transactional database on EBS requires consistently high IOPS with low latency. Which EBS volume type is designed for this?
- A. Cold HDD (sc1)
- B. Throughput Optimized HDD (st1)
- C. Provisioned IOPS SSD (io1/io2)
- D. Magnetic (standard)
Think before you scroll
Consider the performance characteristics of each EBS volume type. Focus on IOPS and latency requirements specific to transactional databases. High IOPS with low latency is non-negotiable for such applications.
The answer
The correct option is C. Provisioned IOPS SSD (io1/io2). This volume type is engineered to deliver consistent high IOPS and low latency, making it ideal for I/O-intensive transactional databases.
Why the other options lose
- A. Cold HDD (sc1): This option is designed for infrequent access and is optimized for low-cost storage. It does not provide the high IOPS needed for transactional workloads.
- B. Throughput Optimized HDD (st1): While this option offers better throughput than Cold HDD, it is still not geared towards high IOPS performance. It is more suited for large, sequential workloads.
- D. Magnetic (standard): This type offers basic storage capabilities with low performance. It is not suitable for high IOPS or low latency requirements, making it an unsuitable choice for transactional databases.
The concept behind it
Understanding EBS volume types is critical for performance tuning in AWS. Provisioned IOPS SSD volumes are specifically designed for applications that require consistent and predictable I/O performance. When your application demands high IOPS and low latency, always prioritize SSD options.
Exam trap to remember
For transactional databases, remember: High IOPS + Low Latency = Provisioned IOPS SSD (io1/io2).