Advanced Placement (AP) Computer Science

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Prepare for the AP Computer Science Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

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Which of the following best describes 'Scalability' in networking?

The ability to add more servers to the network
The capability to increase data encryption
The performance level regardless of network size
The efficiency of data retrieval

The correct answer is: The performance level regardless of network size

Scalability in networking refers to the capability of a network to maintain its performance levels as the size of the network increases or as the number of users and devices grows. This characteristic allows a network to expand and accommodate additional load without a decline in performance. In other words, a scalable network can adapt to increased demands by effectively managing traffic and resources. This definition highlights the importance of maintaining consistent performance regardless of the network's size, making it vital for services that anticipate growth or require flexibility to adjust to changing conditions. The other options, while related to various aspects of networking, do not encapsulate what scalability fundamentally represents. Adding more servers pertains to expansion but does not inherently ensure performance consistency, and concepts like data encryption or data retrieval efficiency address different networking priorities.