easyMultiple Select
CV0-004 Practice Question: Which TWO of the following are benefits of using…
Which TWO of the following are benefits of using a content delivery network (CDN) with cloud-hosted applications? (Choose two.)
⚠ Common exam trap
A common misconception is that a CDN simplifies application architecture or reduces costs, but in reality, it adds operational overhead and incurs additional service fees, while HTTPS remains mandatory for secure communication.
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
✓
Reduces load on the origin server
Option A is correct because a CDN serves cached copies of content from edge nodes, so a large share of user requests never reach the origin server, directly reducing CPU, bandwidth, and concurrent-connection load on the origin. Option D is correct because CDNs cache content at edge locations geographically close to end users, shortening the network round-trip distance and thus reducing latency compared with fetching every request from a distant origin region. Option B is not a CDN benefit, since integrating a CDN typically adds a distribution and cache-invalidation layer rather than simplifying the application architecture. Option C is wrong because CDNs do not remove the need for HTTPS; they usually require TLS between clients and edge nodes and often between the edge and origin. Option E is not guaranteed, as CDN usage adds service charges that may or may not be offset by reduced origin costs.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Reduces load on the origin server
Why this is correct
Edge nodes serve cached copies of content, so a large share of user requests never reach the origin. This offloads bandwidth and compute from the origin server, satisfying the stem's benefit of reducing load on the cloud-hosted application's backend.
- ✗
Simplifies application architecture
Why it's wrong here
A CDN caches and serves content from edge locations, cutting latency and origin load; it adds an external distribution tier rather than removing components, so it does not simplify application architecture. Architecture simplification comes from managed platform services, whereas CDNs are chosen to improve delivery performance and offload origin bandwidth.
- ✗
Eliminates the need for HTTPS encryption
Why it's wrong here
HTTPS encryption is enforced at the origin or edge via TLS certificates; a CDN caches and distributes content but does not remove the need for transport encryption. It is tempting because CDNs often terminate TLS at edge nodes, which can appear to replace origin encryption, yet the requirement to encrypt data in transit remains regardless.
- ✓
Reduces latency for end users by caching content at edge locations
Why this is correct
Caching content at geographically distributed edge locations means requests are served from a point physically closer to the user, cutting round-trip time. This directly satisfies the stem's latency-reduction benefit compared with fetching every asset from a single distant origin.
- ✗
Lowers overall infrastructure cost
Why it's wrong here
A CDN adds edge caching and egress charges, so it typically raises cost rather than lowering infrastructure spend; the benefit is reduced origin load and latency, not cost reduction. It is tempting because offloading origin traffic can defer capacity upgrades, which in some architectures indirectly reduces spend, but that is not a guaranteed CDN benefit.
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JA
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.