CompTIA Cloud+ Practice Test

Which description best characterizes a cluster computing system?

1. A loosely connected group of servers

2. A tightly coupled system for high availability

3. A system that primarily focuses on storage

4. A virtualized environment for applications

The correct answer is: A tightly coupled system for high availability

A cluster computing system is best characterized as a tightly coupled system for high availability. In this context, tightly coupled means that the nodes within the cluster work closely together to provide a single, cohesive service or application. This tight integration supports the high availability of the system, as it ensures that if one node fails, the others can take over its workload seamlessly. This redundancy is crucial in environments where uptime is essential, such as in cloud computing and enterprise applications. The design of a cluster allows for load balancing, where workloads can be distributed across multiple nodes, enhancing both performance and reliability. High availability configurations often employ clustering to minimize downtime and provide continuous service, making this approach crucial for businesses that rely on critical applications. Other descriptions, such as a loosely connected group of servers, do not capture the essence of cluster systems as tightly coupled configurations. While storage-focused systems or virtualized environments can exist, they do not inherently illustrate the primary characteristic of clustered setups, which prioritize high availability and redundancy rather than just storage or virtualization alone.