How to speed up DynamoDB query with low Read Capacity Unit

Example you have a DynamoDB table provisioned with RCU = 1.

If you have provisioned low read capacity in DynamoDB and want to speed up your queries, there are a few strategies you can consider

1. Query Projection: Use query projection to retrieve only the necessary attributes instead of fetching the entire item. By specifying only the required attributes in the ProjectionExpression parameter, you can reduce the amount of data read from the table, thereby decreasing the consumed read capacity.
2. Filter Expressions: Optimize your queries by utilizing filter expressions to reduce the number of items returned. Filtering at the database level can help minimize the amount of data transferred to your application, improving query performance.
3. Indexes: Create appropriate secondary indexes to support your query patterns. Indexes allow you to query the table using alternate attributes and can significantly enhance query performance. Choose the right type of index (e.g., global secondary index, local secondary index) based on your query requirements.
4. Query Design: Design your queries efficiently to minimize the amount of data accessed. Use partition keys and sort keys effectively to distribute the workload evenly across partitions. Avoid “Scan” operations whenever possible, as they read the entire table and consume significant read capacity.
5. Caching: Implement a caching layer in front of DynamoDB using services like Amazon ElastiCache or Amazon DAX. Caching frequently accessed data can reduce the number of requests made to DynamoDB, improving query response times.
6. Increase Provisioned Capacity: If your workload requires consistently faster query performance, consider increasing the provisioned read capacity for your DynamoDB table. This allows you to handle higher levels of traffic without being throttled and ensures optimal performance for your queries.

Remember to monitor the performance of your DynamoDB queries using Amazon CloudWatch metrics and DynamoDB’s built-in monitoring capabilities. This will help you identify any bottlenecks or areas for optimization.