AP CSP Day 29: List Mutation

Big Idea 4: Computing Systems & Networks
Cycle 1 • Day 29 Practice • Medium Difficulty
Focus: Fault Tolerance & Redundancy

Practice Question

A school network connects the main building to the library through two independent paths: a fiber optic cable and a wireless link. Which of the following best describes the benefit of having both paths?

Why This Answer?

Redundant paths provide fault tolerance. If the fiber optic cable is damaged, the wireless link can still carry traffic, and vice versa. This ensures continued connectivity even when one component fails.

Why Not the Others?

A) Redundancy provides reliability, not necessarily doubled speed. Load balancing can improve throughput but the primary purpose of redundancy is resilience. C) Energy efficiency is not the purpose of network redundancy. D) Either path alone can handle traffic — both being active simultaneously is not required.

Common Mistake
Watch Out!

Students think the primary benefit of redundancy is speed rather than reliability. The key advantage is that the system continues working when a component fails.

AP Exam Tip

Redundancy = backup systems for reliability. On the AP exam, the correct answer about redundancy almost always relates to continued operation during failures, not performance improvement.

Keep Practicing!

Consistent daily practice is the key to AP CSP success.

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