In the context of AWS, what does "Regional Resource" mean?

A "Regional Resource" in AWS refers to a resource that is confined to a specific AWS region. Each AWS region is comprised of multiple isolated and physically separated data centers known as Availability Zones. Examples of regional resources include Amazon EC2 instances, Amazon RDS databases, and Amazon S3 buckets configured for a specific region.

These resources are designed to operate within the boundaries of the chosen region, meaning that they cannot be accessed directly from other regions without establishing specific configurations such as data replication or inter-region connectivity. By limiting resources to a specific region, AWS allows users to optimize performance, comply with regulatory requirements, and manage latencies based on geographical considerations.

In contrast, resources that are available across all AWS regions, replicated globally, or operate independently of the cloud do not fit the definition of a Regional Resource. This distinction is critical for effective resource management within AWS and for ensuring compliance with local data residency laws.