CompTIA Cloud+ Practice Test

In cloud computing, what does horizontal scaling involve?

1. Increasing CPU performance

2. Adding more instances

3. Upgrading the network

4. Replacing older servers

The correct answer is: Adding more instances

In cloud computing, horizontal scaling refers to the practice of adding more instances, or nodes, to a system to manage increased demand. This method allows for distributing the load across multiple servers or virtual machines rather than enhancing the capabilities of a single instance. By adding more instances, organizations can improve performance, enhance availability, and increase redundancy, which collectively lead to a more resilient infrastructure. This scaling approach contrasts with vertical scaling, where the focus is on upgrading existing hardware or instances, such as increasing CPU performance or adding more memory. While vertical scaling can provide immediate benefits, it often hits a limit in terms of physical resources, whereas horizontal scaling offers nearly unlimited growth potential as you can continually add more instances as needed. Hence, adding more instances is a practical and effective strategy for cloud environments, especially in handling peaks in demand efficiently.