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CV0-004 Practice Question: A cloud administrator is deploying a new…

A cloud administrator is deploying a new application that requires low latency between two virtual machines. The VMs are in the same cloud region but in different availability zones. The administrator notices higher latency than expected. Which of the following is the most effective way to reduce latency?

⚠ Common exam trap

CompTIA often tests the misconception that placement groups (like cluster placement groups) can reduce latency across availability zones, but in reality, placement groups only work within a single availability zone and do not override zone boundaries.

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

Move both VMs to the same availability zone.

Moving both VMs to the same availability zone reduces the physical network distance and eliminates the latency introduced by inter-zone routing. In cloud providers, availability zones are distinct data centers with separate power and networking, so traffic between zones traverses additional switches and fiber, adding microseconds to milliseconds of latency. Placing VMs in the same zone keeps traffic within a single data center fabric, minimizing hop count and propagation delay.

Answer analysis

Option-by-option breakdown

For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.

  • Assign larger instance types to both VMs.

    Why it's wrong here

    Larger instances affect compute/network capacity, not latency.

  • Move both VMs to the same availability zone.

    Why this is correct

    Same zone reduces physical distance and latency.

  • Use a VPN connection between the VMs.

    Why it's wrong here

    VPN adds overhead and does not reduce latency.

  • Place both VMs in the same placement group.

    Why it's wrong here

    Placement groups are used within a zone; if they are in different zones, placement group does not help. But moving to same zone is more direct.

Visual reference

PC R1 R2 R3 Server hop 1 hop 2 hop 3 RIP metric = 3 hops — lowest hop count wins

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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security

Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva

This CV0-004 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the CV0-004 exam.