CompTIA Cloud+ Practice Test

What must you do first to check the health of web servers failing load balancer health checks?

1. Test database connections

2. Ensure the application is operational

3. Review server configurations

4. Check network routes

The correct answer is: Ensure the application is operational

To effectively check the health of web servers that are failing load balancer health checks, ensuring that the application is operational must be prioritized. The health checks performed by load balancers typically assess whether the application running on the web server is responding correctly. If the application is down or not functioning properly, it would certainly lead to failure in these health checks. By first verifying the operational status of the application, you can determine if the issue is with the application itself or if it lies elsewhere, such as in server configurations, network routes, or database connections. This step is crucial because it directly pertains to the primary role of the web server: serving web applications. If the application is not operational, other troubleshooting steps become less relevant until this fundamental issue is resolved. In contrast, while reviewing server configurations, checking network routes, or testing database connections are also important steps in diagnosing web server issues, they are secondary to ensuring that the application is running as expected. If the application is down, adjustments and checks in these areas would not solve the immediate problem at hand.