220-1101 Virtualization and Cloud Computing Practice Question
A company runs a web application on a virtual machine (VM) in a public cloud. The application experiences a sudden spike in traffic lasting about 45 minutes every day at lunchtime. The VM currently has 4 vCPUs and 8 GB of RAM, which is sufficient for normal traffic but causes slow response times during the spike. The company wants to ensure the application performs well during spikes without permanently upgrading the VM to larger resources. Which cloud characteristic should the administrator use to meet this requirement?
⚠ Common exam trap
CompTIA often tests the distinction between elasticity and scalability, where the trap is that candidates confuse 'scalability' (permanent capacity increase) with 'elasticity' (dynamic, automatic scaling up and down), leading them to choose scalability for temporary spikes.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Elasticity
Elasticity is the correct cloud characteristic because it allows the VM to automatically scale resources up during the 45-minute lunchtime traffic spike and scale back down afterward, matching demand without manual intervention. This ensures performance during the spike while avoiding the cost of a permanent upgrade, as the VM can dynamically adjust vCPUs and RAM based on predefined policies or metrics like CPU utilization.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Elasticity
Why this is correct
Elasticity allows automatic scaling of resources up during traffic spikes and scaling back down when the spike ends, optimizing cost and performance.
- ✗
Scalability
Why it's wrong here
Scalability refers to the ability to increase resources to handle growth, but it does not necessarily imply the automatic scaling down that elasticity provides.
- ✗
Metered service
Why it's wrong here
Metered service means billing based on usage, but it does not automatically adjust resources; it only tracks consumption.
- ✗
High availability
Why it's wrong here
High availability ensures that the application remains accessible, but it does not dynamically adjust resource capacity based on demand.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Public, Private, Hybrid, Community Cloud
Key term
RAM
RAM (Random-Access Memory) is volatile computer memory that temporarily stores data for quick access by the CPU.
Key term
Dual In-line Memory Module
A Dual In-line Memory Module (DIMM) is a small circuit board that holds memory chips and plugs into a computer's motherboard to provide Random Access Memory (RAM).
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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