CompTIA Cloud+ Practice Test

For a website experiencing quadrupled traffic during a holiday season, which scaling solution would be MOST efficient with no downtime?

1. Implement an upward vertical scaling solution.

2. Implement a downward vertical scaling solution.

3. Implement an inward horizontal scaling solution.

4. Implement an outward horizontal scaling solution.

The correct answer is: Implement an upward vertical scaling solution.

Choosing to implement an upward vertical scaling solution is a strategy that involves adding more resources (such as CPU, RAM, or storage) to a single server or instance. While this option can increase capacity, it may not always be the most efficient or advisable solution, particularly in a scenario with a significant and rapid increase in traffic, such as quadrupling during the holiday season. In this context, the outward horizontal scaling solution is the most efficient choice. This approach involves adding more servers or instances to distribute the load across multiple resources. During a period of increased traffic, horizontally scaling allows multiple web servers to handle requests concurrently, ensuring that user experience remains smooth and that the infrastructure can adapt dynamically. This method provides redundancy and load balancing, allowing for seamless operation without downtime. As instances can be added to best manage sudden spikes in traffic, this approach effectively maintains performance and stability. Vertical scaling, while feasible to increase a single server's capabilities, can lead to limitations, including potential single points of failure and resource caps based on the hardware. In contrast, horizontal scaling is generally more robust in cloud environments, offering better flexibility and fault tolerance. This is particularly important for websites expecting rapid traffic fluctuations, ensuring they remain accessible and responsive throughout busy periods.