MongoDB on AWS: What are the Options?
Published: 2023-09-07 13:27:47


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## What is MongoDB on AWS? 

MongoDB is a general-purpose, document-based, distributed database built for modern application developers and the cloud era. MongoDB is a NoSQL database which supports high performance, high availability, and easy scalability. It works on the concept of collections and documents, using BSON format, closely related to JSON. Combining MongoDB with the extensive capabilities of Amazon Web Services (AWS) creates a powerful platform for managing and manipulating data.

In essence, [MongoDB on AWS](https://bluexp.netapp.com/blog/aws-cvo-blg-mongodb-on-aws-managed-service-vs.-self-managed) is the deployment of the MongoDB database system on the AWS cloud. The cloud infrastructure of AWS provides a flexible, scalable, and secure environment for running MongoDB, making it a preferred choice for businesses looking to harness the power of their data. 


## Benefits of Running MongoDB on AWS 


### Elastic Scalability

One of the significant benefits of running MongoDB on AWS is the elastic scalability it offers. Elastic scalability means that MongoDB on AWS can be quickly and easily scaled up or down, depending on the workload. This allows businesses to adjust their database size based on their current needs. Whether it's a sudden surge in user activity or a quiet period with little data traffic, MongoDB on AWS can adapt swiftly and efficiently.

Moreover, AWS offers auto-scaling features that automatically adjust the capacity to maintain steady, predictable performance at the lowest possible cost. This means that you only pay for what you use, making it a cost-effective solution for businesses of all sizes.


### Robust Security

Security is paramount in the world of data. MongoDB on AWS understands this and offers robust security features that protect sensitive data. AWS provides a multi-layered security approach, including network firewalls, web application firewall capabilities, encryption in transit and at rest, detailed audit logs, and more.

MongoDB also has built-in security controls such as advanced access control, encryption, and auditing. These controls, combined with AWS security features, create a secure environment for your sensitive data. Furthermore, AWS is compliant with many global and regional regulations, ensuring your data handling practices adhere to all necessary rules and regulations.


### High Availability

High availability is another crucial benefit of running MongoDB on AWS. Ensuring a database is always accessible, even in the event of a failure, can be a challenging task. However, MongoDB on AWS simplifies this with its high availability feature.

By leveraging AWS's built-in capabilities combined with MongoDB's native replication, MongoDB on AWS provides a highly available environment. If a primary node fails, the service automatically fails over to a secondary node, ensuring your database remains accessible. This means there is minimal downtime and data loss, ensuring a smooth user experience.


### Integration with AWS Services

A key advantage of running MongoDB on AWS is the seamless integration with other AWS services. This allows for a cohesive and efficient data management strategy. MongoDB can easily integrate with services like AWS Lambda for serverless computing, Amazon Kinesis for real-time data streaming, and AWS Glue for ETL tasks.


## Options for Running MongoDB on AWS 


### Self-Managed MongoDB on EC2

The first option for running MongoDB on AWS is a self-managed MongoDB on EC2. This involves setting up and managing your own MongoDB database on an Amazon EC2 instance. While this gives you complete control over your database, it also means you are responsible for managing and maintaining the database, which can be time-consuming and complex.


### Amazon DocumentDB

Amazon DocumentDB is another option. It's a fully managed document database service that supports MongoDB workloads. Amazon DocumentDB makes it easy to store, query, and index JSON data, offering the performance, scalability, and availability needed for mission-critical applications.


### MongoDB Atlas on AWS

Finally, there's MongoDB Atlas on AWS, a fully managed MongoDB service on AWS. MongoDB Atlas takes care of the operational burden, allowing you to focus on building and optimizing your applications. It offers automated backups, patches, upgrades, and scaling, making it a convenient and efficient choice.


## Best Practices for MongoDB on AWS 

Let’s highlight some of the best practices for deploying MongoDB on AWS. These practices will ensure optimal performance, security, and cost-effectiveness for your database.


### Multi-AZ Deployments

One of the best practices for running MongoDB on AWS is to use Multi-AZ deployments. This means having your MongoDB instances spread across multiple Availability Zones (AZs) within a region. By doing this, you can achieve high availability and fault tolerance for your database, thereby ensuring uninterrupted service even if one AZ goes down.

Moreover, Multi-AZ deployments provide benefits like data redundancy, which is crucial for backup and disaster recovery purposes. By replicating your data across different AZs, you can ensure that your data is always available, even in the event of a failure.


### VPC Peering

Another best practice to consider when working with MongoDB on AWS is to use Virtual Private Cloud (VPC) Peering. VPC Peering is a networking connection between two VPCs that enables you to route traffic between them using private IP addresses.

By using VPC Peering, you can greatly enhance the security of your MongoDB databases. Since the traffic between your VPCs is entirely within the AWS network, it is not exposed to the public internet, thereby reducing the risk of data breaches. Moreover, VPC Peering allows for lower latency and higher bandwidth, leading to improved performance of your MongoDB databases.


### Use Provisioned IOPS

Provisioned IOPS (Input/Output Operations Per Second) is a feature in AWS that allows you to specify the I/O capacity of your MongoDB databases. By using Provisioned IOPS, you can ensure consistently fast performance for your databases, regardless of the volume of traffic they handle.

Keep in mind, however, that IOPS can be costly, especially for large databases. Therefore, it's crucial to accurately estimate your I/O requirements to avoid unnecessary costs. Remember, the goal is to achieve the right balance between performance and cost.


### Schedule Regular Snapshots

Data is the lifeblood of any business, and losing it can have devastating consequences. Therefore, another best practice for running MongoDB on AWS is to schedule regular snapshots of your databases. These snapshots serve as backups that can be used to restore your data in the event of a disaster.

Scheduling regular snapshots is easy with AWS. You simply need to specify the frequency and time of the snapshots, and AWS will handle the rest. By doing this, you can have peace of mind knowing that your data is always safe.


### Monitor with Amazon CloudWatch

Monitoring your MongoDB databases is crucial to ensure their optimal performance and availability. One of the best ways to do this on AWS is by using Amazon CloudWatch, a monitoring service that provides insights into your AWS resources.

With CloudWatch, you can track metrics such as CPU utilization, latency, and request counts, among others. You can also set up alarms that notify you when certain thresholds are exceeded. By doing this, you can detect and resolve issues before they impact your databases.


### Utilize AWS Lambda

Finally, consider utilizing AWS Lambda when running MongoDB on AWS. Lambda is a serverless compute service that lets you run your applications without provisioning or managing servers. With Lambda, you can execute code in response to triggers such as changes to data in a MongoDB database.

By using Lambda, you can automate tasks such as data processing and backups, thereby reducing the operational overhead of managing your MongoDB databases. Moreover, Lambda allows you to scale your applications effortlessly, as it automatically adjusts its capacity to match the size of your workloads.

Running MongoDB on AWS offers numerous benefits, including scalability, high availability, and robust security. By following the best practices outlined in this article, you can ensure optimal performance, cost-effectiveness, and security for your MongoDB databases.