CompTIA Network+ Practice Test

In an active-active configuration, what makes management more complex?

1. Limited device interactions

2. Data flow in multiple directions

3. Simple operation design

4. Minimal monitoring required

The correct answer is: Data flow in multiple directions

In an active-active configuration, multiple devices or nodes are simultaneously active and operational, allowing them to share the workload. This configuration enables better resource utilization and redundancy; however, it introduces complexity in management primarily because of the data flow in multiple directions. The complexity arises from the need to manage and synchronize data that is flowing not just between devices but also in various pathways and from different sources. This can lead to challenges such as ensuring data consistency, handling concurrent transactions, and managing load balancing effectively. Network administrators must carefully monitor and control how data is routed and processed across all active nodes, which can involve intricate configurations and increased oversight. By contrast, configurations that operate in a single active mode tend to have simpler data flow, making management more straightforward. In such scenarios, the network design may require less oversight and fewer resources to manage sync and load distribution, resulting in reduced complexity.