Why API Gateway matters in AWS - Challenge Your Understanding

Challenge - 5 Problems

🧠 Conceptual

intermediate

What is a primary role of an API Gateway in system design?

Choose the main function of an API Gateway in a microservices architecture.

A It stores all user data and manages database transactions.

B It acts as a single entry point that routes client requests to appropriate backend services.

C It directly processes business logic without involving backend services.

D It replaces the need for load balancers in the system.

💡 Hint

Think about how clients communicate with multiple backend services.

API Gateway serves as a single entry point that routes requests to the correct backend service, simplifying client communication and improving security.

❓ Architecture

intermediate

How does API Gateway improve security in a system?

Select the best way an API Gateway enhances security for backend services.

A By replacing firewalls and network security appliances.

B By encrypting data stored in backend databases automatically.

C By validating and authenticating client requests before forwarding them to backend services.

D By caching all backend responses indefinitely.

💡 Hint

Consider where security checks happen in the request flow.

API Gateway can validate tokens, authenticate users, and reject unauthorized requests before they reach backend services, improving security.

❓ scaling

advanced

What role does API Gateway play in scaling backend services?

Identify how API Gateway helps manage scaling in a distributed system.

A It throttles and limits client requests to prevent backend overload.

B It automatically increases the number of backend servers.

C It stores session state to balance load across servers.

D It directly scales databases by sharding data.

💡 Hint

Think about how to protect backend services from too many requests.

API Gateway can throttle requests, limiting the rate clients can send requests to backend services, preventing overload and enabling smoother scaling.

❓ tradeoff

advanced

What is a tradeoff when using an API Gateway in system architecture?

Choose the correct tradeoff involved in introducing an API Gateway.

A It adds a single point of failure but simplifies client communication.

B It eliminates all backend service failures completely.

C It removes the need for backend service monitoring.

D It guarantees zero latency in request processing.

💡 Hint

Consider what new risks or costs come with adding a new component.

While API Gateway simplifies client access and adds security, it also introduces a single point of failure that must be managed carefully.

❓ estimation

expert

Estimate the capacity needed for an API Gateway handling 10,000 requests per second with 5 backend services.

If each backend service can handle 3,000 requests per second, what is the minimum capacity the API Gateway must support to avoid bottlenecks?

A At least 15,000 requests per second capacity to handle combined backend load.

B At least 50,000 requests per second capacity to handle peak bursts.

C At least 3,000 requests per second capacity since backend limits are lower.

D At least 10,000 requests per second capacity to handle all incoming requests.

💡 Hint

Focus on the number of incoming requests the gateway must process, not backend sum.

The API Gateway must handle all incoming client requests, so it needs capacity for 10,000 requests per second. Backend services handle requests distributed by the gateway.