Learn how Amazon CloudWatch helps monitor EC2 instance performance by providing key metrics like CPU utilization. Essential for AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner (CLF-C02) exam preparation.
Table of Contents
Question
A cloud engineer wants to know the percentage of allocated compute units that are in use for a specific Amazon EC2 instance. Which AWS service can provide this information?
A. AWS CloudTrail
B. AWS Config
C. Amazon CloudWatch
D. AWS Artifact
Answer
C. Amazon CloudWatch
Explanation
Amazon CloudWatch can provide this information through metrics that detail Amazon EC2 instance utilization, allowing users to view and optimize resource usage.
Why is Amazon CloudWatch the Correct Answer?
Amazon CloudWatch is a robust monitoring service designed to collect, process, and display real-time metrics for AWS resources, including Amazon EC2 instances. It provides detailed insights into resource utilization, enabling users to monitor and optimize their workloads effectively.
Key Features of Amazon CloudWatch for EC2 Monitoring
Metric Collection
CloudWatch collects metrics such as CPU utilization, disk I/O, and network traffic from EC2 instances.
By default, it provides basic monitoring at 5-minute intervals, but detailed monitoring can be enabled for 1-minute intervals.
Customizable Dashboards
Users can create dashboards to visualize metrics and track performance trends over time.
Alarms and Notifications
CloudWatch allows setting alarms based on predefined thresholds (e.g., CPU usage exceeding 80%) to trigger notifications or automated actions like scaling.
Historical Data
Metrics are stored for up to 15 months, allowing users to analyze historical performance data.
How CloudWatch Helps Monitor Compute Units
CloudWatch specifically tracks the percentage of allocated compute units (e.g., CPU utilization) in use for an EC2 instance. This information is accessible through the CloudWatch console or via API/CLI commands. For example:
The CPUUtilization metric under the AWS/EC2 namespace provides detailed data on how much of the allocated compute capacity is being used.
Why Not the Other Options?
A. AWS CloudTrail: Tracks API activity and changes to AWS resources for auditing purposes but does not provide performance or utilization metrics.
B. AWS Config: Monitors resource configurations and compliance but does not track real-time usage metrics like compute unit utilization.
D. AWS Artifact: A repository for compliance reports and agreements, unrelated to resource monitoring or performance tracking.
Amazon CloudWatch is the definitive service for monitoring EC2 instance utilization metrics, including the percentage of allocated compute units in use. It is a critical tool for maintaining operational efficiency and ensuring optimal resource usage in AWS environments. Understanding its functionality is essential for passing the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner (CLF-C02) exam.
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