AWS Certified Solutions Architect – ProfessionalAccelerate Workload Migration and ModernizationHard
A research institution has a large dataset (hundreds of terabytes) stored on-premises that needs to be transferred to Amazon S3 for long-term archival and occasional analysis. The institution has limited internet bandwidth, making direct online transfer impractical. The data transfer must be highly secure and verifiable. Which AWS service is the MOST suitable for this data migration?
- AAWS Snowball Edge Storage Optimized
- BAWS DataSync
- CAWS Direct Connect
- DAWS Transfer Family (SFTP)
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. AWS Snowball Edge Storage Optimized
AWS Snowball Edge Storage Optimized devices are designed for large-scale data transfers (petabytes) where internet bandwidth is limited. They provide a physical appliance for secure, offline data transfer to S3, making it the most suitable option for hundreds of terabytes with limited bandwidth.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. AWS DataSync is an excellent online data transfer service, but it still relies on available internet bandwidth. For 'limited internet bandwidth' and 'hundreds of terabytes', it would be too slow or impractical.
- C. AWS Direct Connect provides a dedicated network connection to AWS, which would solve bandwidth limitations, but it requires significant setup time and cost, and for a one-time large migration, Snowball Edge is often more cost-effective and faster.
- D. AWS Transfer Family (SFTP) is an online service for transferring files over SFTP, FTPS, or FTP directly to S3. Like DataSync, it is limited by internet bandwidth and not suitable for 'hundreds of terabytes' with 'limited internet bandwidth'.
AWS Snowball Edge Storage Optimized
A rugged, portable storage and compute device used for physically transferring petabyte-scale data into and out of AWS, especially when network bandwidth is limited.
- Designed for large data migrations (hundreds of TB to PBs).
- Includes local compute for edge processing.
- Secure (encryption, tamper-evident seals) and verifiable.
- Ideal for environments with limited or no internet connectivity.
Memory trick: Snowball Edge, Enormous Data, Easy Entry