A database administrator is performing an Active Database Duplication from SRCDB to DESTDB. The goal is to copy the database directly over the network without using intermediate backups. Which RMAN connection configuration is mandatory for this operation?

Active Database Duplication is a feature where RMAN copies a source database over the network to a destination host without relying on pre-existing backups. For this process to work, RMAN must establish simultaneous connections to both the source database instance and the auxiliary (destination) instance. The connection to the source is designated as TARGET, and the connection to the destination instance, which is typically in a NOMOUNT state, is designated as AUXILIARY. RMAN uses these two connections to coordinate the direct transfer of data blocks from the target to the auxiliary.

A. The AUXILIARY connection is mandatory for any duplication operation, as it represents the destination instance where the new database is being created.
C. Connecting only to the TARGET is insufficient. RMAN requires an active connection to the AUXILIARY instance to create datafiles and manage the duplication process.
D. Connecting only to the AUXILIARY is insufficient. RMAN needs the TARGET connection to read the data blocks from the source database.

1. Oracle Database Backup and Recovery User's Guide, 23c, Chapter 23, "Duplicating a Database", Section: "About Active Database Duplication". The documentation states: "For active database duplication, RMAN connects to the source database as TARGET and the destination database as AUXILIARY. RMAN copies the live source database files over the network to the auxiliary destination."

2. Oracle Database Backup and Recovery Reference, 23c, "DUPLICATE Command". The usage notes and examples for DUPLICATE ... FROM ACTIVE DATABASE consistently show RMAN connected to both TARGET and AUXILIARY instances.