Concepts
AWS DataSync is a data transfer service that simplifies, automates, and accelerates moving data between on-premises storage systems and AWS storage services, or between AWS storage services directly.
Features of AWS DataSync:
- High-speed data transfer
- Data encryption during transit
- Scheduling and automation of data transfers
- Data verification during transfer
- Integration with AWS storage services such as Amazon S3, Amazon EFS, and Amazon FSx for Windows File Server
Use Cases for AWS DataSync:
- Disaster Recovery: Quickly and efficiently replicate on-premises data to AWS for backup and disaster recovery purposes.
- Data Migration: Migrate large volumes of data from on-premises storage systems to AWS without the need for application transformation.
- Data Processing and Analysis: Transfer data to AWS Cloud for processing with analytics and machine learning services.
- Hybrid Cloud Workflows: Maintain synchronized datasets between on-premises systems and AWS for hybrid cloud applications.
AWS Storage Gateway
AWS Storage Gateway is a hybrid cloud storage service that provides on-premises access to virtually unlimited cloud storage. It bridges the gap between local storage environments and the AWS Cloud.
Features of AWS Storage Gateway:
- Different types of gateways: file gateway, volume gateway, and tape gateway
- Local caching for frequently accessed data
- Data encryption at rest and in transit
- Integration with AWS backup services
- Support for industry-standard storage protocols such as iSCSI and SMB
Use Cases for AWS Storage Gateway:
- On-premises File Sharing: Use the file gateway to store and retrieve files as objects in Amazon S3, with a local cache for low-latency access.
- Cloud-backed Virtual Tape Library: Use the tape gateway to replace physical tape-based backup systems with a virtual tape library (VTL) that is cost-effective, scalable, and durable.
- Block Storage Volumes: Use the volume gateway to provide block-level storage volumes via iSCSI, enabling integration with existing on-premises applications.
Comparison Between AWS DataSync and AWS Storage Gateway
| Feature/Service | AWS DataSync | AWS Storage Gateway |
|---|---|---|
| Data Transfer Method | Over the network replication | iSCSI or SMB-based access |
| Use Cases | Data migration, disaster recovery | On-premises file share, VTL backups |
| Supported AWS Services | Amazon S3, EFS, FSx | Amazon S3, Glacier, EBS |
| Local Caching | Not applicable | Yes, for hot data |
| Primary Purpose | Simplify & accelerate data transfer | Bridge on-prem storage & AWS Cloud |
When to Use AWS DataSync vs AWS Storage Gateway:
- Use AWS DataSync when the primary goal is to move data rapidly to or from AWS services. It’s ideal for one-time migrations or recurring transfer tasks.
- Use AWS Storage Gateway when you need seamless integration with AWS storage for existing on-premises applications or need to maintain a hybrid cloud storage environment.
To set up AWS DataSync, you need to:
- Create a DataSync task in the AWS Management Console or via the AWS CLI.
- Configure your source and destination, whether it’s on-premises or an AWS service.
- Schedule and manage the data transfer jobs.
For AWS Storage Gateway, the steps would be:
- Deploy the AWS Storage Gateway software appliance on-premises or on EC2.
- Choose and configure the type of gateway (File/Virtual Tape/Library).
- Connect your on-premises environment and select your AWS storage target.
Example AWS CLI Command for AWS DataSync:
aws datasync create-task \
–source-location-arn arn:aws:datasync:region:account-id:source-location/source-location-id \
–destination-location-arn arn:aws:datasync:region:account-id:destination-location/destination-location-id \
–cloud-watch-log-group-arn arn:aws:logs:region:account-id:log-group:/aws/datasync/task/log-group-name \
–name “MyDataSyncTask”
Example AWS CLI Command for AWS Storage Gateway:
aws storagegateway create-tapes \
–gateway-arn arn:aws:storagegateway:region:account-id:gateway/gateway-id \
–tape-size-in-bytes 107374182400 \
–client-token “MyUniqueTapeCreation” \
–num-tapes-to-create 1 \
–tape-barcode-prefix “GLACIER”
In conclusion, understanding the specific requirements of your data transfer or storage task is crucial when choosing between AWS DataSync and AWS Storage Gateway. Both services offer secure and reliable data transfer options but cater to different scenarios and needs. Use this information to guide your decisions in the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate (SAA-C03) exam preparation and real-world solutions design.
Answer the Questions in Comment Section
T/F: AWS DataSync can be used to transfer data between on-premises storage and Amazon S
- True
Correct Answer: True
AWS DataSync is a data transfer service that simplifies and accelerates moving data between on-premises storage systems and AWS storage services such as Amazon S
T/F: AWS Storage Gateway does not support connecting on-premises applications with cloud-based storage.
- False
Correct Answer: False
AWS Storage Gateway is a service that connects on-premises applications with cloud-based storage to provide seamless and secure integration between an organization’s on-premises IT environment and AWS’s storage infrastructure.
Which AWS service is best for transferring large amounts of data physically when online transfer isn’t feasible due to high network costs or bandwidth limitations?
- A) AWS Storage Gateway
- B) Amazon S3
- C) AWS DataSync
- D) AWS Snowball
Correct Answer: D) AWS Snowball
AWS Snowball is a part of the AWS Snow Family, and it is designed for transferring large amounts of data into and out of AWS using physical storage devices, ideal for situations with limited connectivity or high network costs.
AWS DataSync can be used to synchronize data between which of the following AWS services? (Select two)
- A) Amazon EBS
- B) Amazon ECS
- C) Amazon S3
- D) Amazon EFS
- E) Amazon RDS
Correct Answer: C) Amazon S3 & D) Amazon EFS
AWS DataSync can be used to transfer and synchronize data between AWS services such as Amazon S3 and Amazon EFS, as well as between on-premises storage and AWS.
Which of the following options is a use case for AWS Storage Gateway?
- A) Database migration to AWS
- B) Real-time processing of streaming data
- C) On-premises file sharing with cloud backup
- D) High-performance computing workloads
Correct Answer: C) On-premises file sharing with cloud backup
AWS Storage Gateway enables on-premises file sharing with a cloud-backed file system which helps in creating a hybrid environment for easy file sharing and cloud backup.
T/F: AWS DataSync is only suitable for one-time data migrations.
- False
Correct Answer: False
AWS DataSync supports both one-time data migrations and ongoing data transfer needs, including replication for data protection and recovery.
T/F: AWS Storage Gateway’s Tape Gateway offers a virtual tape infrastructure that allows you to replace the use of physical tapes.
- True
Correct Answer: True
Tape Gateway enables you to replace physical tapes with a virtual tape library (VTL) by providing a virtual tape infrastructure that seamlessly connects with your existing backup applications.
AWS DataSync automatically encrypts data in transit. Which encryption method does it use?
- A) TLS
- B) AES-256
- C) SSL
- D) SSH
Correct Answer: A) TLS
AWS DataSync uses Transport Layer Security (TLS) to encrypt data in transit, providing secure data transfer to AWS.
Which AWS service would you recommend for a hybrid cloud storage environment to extend on-premises storage to the cloud?
- A) Amazon S3
- B) AWS Direct Connect
- C) AWS Storage Gateway
- D) AWS Transfer Family
Correct Answer: C) AWS Storage Gateway
AWS Storage Gateway is designed for hybrid cloud storage environments, as it offers various types of gateways to extend on-premises storage to the cloud.
T/F: AWS DataSync can be used to move data from AWS to an on-premises data center.
- True
Correct Answer: True
AWS DataSync supports transferring data between AWS services and on-premises storage systems in both directions, including moving data from AWS to an on-premises data center.
What is the minimum file size recommended for AWS DataSync to be cost-effective and efficient?
- A) 100 KB
- B) 5 MB
- C) 1 GB
- D) There is no minimum file size recommendation
Correct Answer: B) 5 MB
AWS DataSync is optimized for transferring data sets that are in aggregate larger than a few terabytes and with average file sizes of 5 MB or larger to be most cost-effective.
AWS Storage Gateway supports which of the following configurations? (Select two)
- A) File Gateway
- B) Volume Gateway
- C) Direct Connect Gateway
- D) Database Gateway
Correct Answer: A) File Gateway & B) Volume Gateway
AWS Storage Gateway offers three configurations namely File Gateway for files, Volume Gateway for block storage, and Tape Gateway for virtual tape-based backups. Direct Connect Gateway and Database Gateway are not configurations of AWS Storage Gateway.
Great post! AWS DataSync is amazing for moving large datasets quickly.
I appreciate the detailed examples, especially the use case of migrating data to S3.
How does AWS DataSync handle incremental updates?
Can someone explain the differences between AWS Storage Gateway and AWS DataSync?
Thanks for the article!
Excellent write-up about the SAA-C03 exam topics!
How does AWS Storage Gateway provide low-latency access to data?
Very informative post, helped me understand the use cases better.