CompTIA Network+ Practice Test

What can bottlenecks in a network lead to?

1. Increased throughput

2. Improved operations

3. Slower performance

4. Higher bandwidth

The correct answer is: Slower performance

Bottlenecks in a network refer to points where data transfer is restricted, resulting in slower transmission speeds, increased latency, and reduced overall performance. When a bottleneck occurs, it impedes the flow of data, causing delays in data delivery and hampering the efficiency of the network. This can manifest as lag during data transfers, slow-loading websites, or inefficiencies in applications that rely on network access. In contrast, the other options suggest enhancements like increased throughput, improved operations, and higher bandwidth, which are generally indicative of a network performing optimally. However, when bottlenecks are present, these positive outcomes are not achievable. Instead, the network suffers from the limitations imposed by the bottleneck, resulting in notably slower performance across various applications and services reliant on that network. Thus, recognizing the impact of bottlenecks is crucial for administrators to diagnose and optimize network performance effectively.