The answer is resource contention from other tenants, commonly called the noisy neighbor effect on cloud VM performance. This is the most likely cause because cloud providers operate on multi-tenant architecture, where multiple virtual machines share the same physical host’s CPU, memory, and I/O resources. Even if the selected instance type meets the developer’s specified 16 GB of RAM and 4 vCPUs, a “noisy neighbor” VM on the same host can aggressively consume shared resources like disk throughput or cache, starving the developer’s application of the performance it expects. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this concept tests your understanding of cloud deployment models and the trade-offs of shared versus dedicated hosting. A common trap is assuming that meeting hardware specs guarantees performance, but the exam wants you to recognize that multi-tenant resource contention is a real bottleneck. Remember the mnemonic “Noisy Neighbor = Not Enough Resources” to link the term to degraded performance in shared environments.
220-1101 Cloud Computing Concepts Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of cloud computing concepts. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A technician is configuring a cloud-based virtual machine for a developer who needs to run a custom application that requires 16 GB of RAM and 4 vCPUs. The technician selects an instance type that meets these specs. After launching, the developer complains the application runs slowly. What is the most likely cause?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Why wrong: While storage performance can affect applications, the primary issue is likely CPU/memory contention; storage IOPS would be a secondary consideration.
B
Network bandwidth throttling
Why wrong: Network bandwidth affects data transfer, not application processing speed; the app runs slowly, not network-dependent tasks.
C
Resource contention from other tenants
In a public cloud, multiple VMs share physical hardware; if neighbors are busy, your VM may not get full resources, causing slowdowns.
D
Incorrect operating system version
Why wrong: An incorrect OS version would likely cause compatibility errors, not gradual slowness; the app runs but is slow.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Resource contention from other tenants
Cloud VMs often experience resource contention due to noisy neighbors in multi-tenant environments. Even if the instance type meets specs, performance can degrade if other tenants on the same physical host consume resources. The technician should check if the instance is on a shared host and consider dedicated instances.
Key principle: OSPF neighbour adjacency depends on matching area, hello/dead timers, network type, and authentication — IP reachability alone is not enough.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Insufficient storage IOPS
Why it's wrong here
While storage performance can affect applications, the primary issue is likely CPU/memory contention; storage IOPS would be a secondary consideration.
✗
Network bandwidth throttling
Why it's wrong here
Network bandwidth affects data transfer, not application processing speed; the app runs slowly, not network-dependent tasks.
✓
Resource contention from other tenants
Why this is correct
In a public cloud, multiple VMs share physical hardware; if neighbors are busy, your VM may not get full resources, causing slowdowns.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
An incorrect OS version would likely cause compatibility errors, not gradual slowness; the app runs but is slow.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: OSPF can fail even when IP connectivity looks correct
OSPF neighbour formation depends on matching areas, timers, network type, authentication and passive-interface behaviour. Do not choose an answer only because the devices can ping.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
OSPF questions usually test the details that control adjacency and route selection. Read the neighbour state, area, router ID and interface configuration before deciding what is wrong.
KKey Concepts to Remember
OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters.
Router ID selection can affect neighbour relationships and LSDB output.
OSPF cost influences the preferred path.
A route can appear in OSPF information but not become the installed route.
TExam Day Tips
→Check area mismatch first when OSPF adjacency fails.
→Review passive interfaces when a network is advertised but no neighbour forms.
→Use show ip ospf neighbor and show ip route clues carefully.
Key takeaway
OSPF neighbour adjacency depends on matching area, hello/dead timers, network type, and authentication — IP reachability alone is not enough.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A network engineer at a university connects two campus buildings via a fibre link. Both routers run OSPF, but no adjacency forms — even though both routers can ping each other. The engineer finds one router is in area 0 and the other in area 1. OSPF adjacency requires matching area numbers, hello/dead timers, and network type. IP reachability alone is not enough.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 220-1201 question in full detail.
Review OSPF neighbour requirements — matching area type, hello and dead timers, network type, stub flags, and authentication. Study show ip ospf neighbor states (INIT, 2-WAY, FULL). Then practise related 220-1201 OSPF questions on adjacency and route selection.
Cloud Computing Concepts — This question tests Cloud Computing Concepts — OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Resource contention from other tenants — Cloud VMs often experience resource contention due to noisy neighbors in multi-tenant environments. Even if the instance type meets specs, performance can degrade if other tenants on the same physical host consume resources. The technician should check if the instance is on a shared host and consider dedicated instances.
What should I do if I get this 220-1201 question wrong?
Review OSPF neighbour requirements — matching area type, hello and dead timers, network type, stub flags, and authentication. Study show ip ospf neighbor states (INIT, 2-WAY, FULL). Then practise related 220-1201 OSPF questions on adjacency and route selection.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters.
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