AP Computer Science Principles Flashcards: Fault Tolerance
Written by AP Content Team, Verified for 2026 AP Exams, Last updated: May 2026
Review key ideas with interactive flashcards. This set includes 19 cards to help you master important concepts.
What system property allows data to be rerouted when a connection fails?
Network redundancy, specifically having more than one path between connected devices, allows data to be sent via a different route.
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What system property allows data to be rerouted when a connection fails?
Network redundancy, specifically having more than one path between connected devices, allows data to be sent via a different route.
Explain how the Internet is a fault-tolerant system using the concept of routing.
The Internet is fault-tolerant because it has redundant routing options; if one path between two devices fails, data can be sent via a different route.
A network is designed with only one physical cable connecting a remote office to the main headquarters. Identify this system's main vulnerability to failure.
The single cable represents a vulnerability because if it fails, the system is not fault-tolerant and communication between the offices will be lost.
How has the Internet been specifically engineered to be fault-tolerant?
The Internet has been engineered to be fault tolerant through the use of abstractions for routing and transmitting data.
A web server is supported by a single power supply. To improve its design, an engineer adds a second, backup power supply. What principle is being applied?
The engineer is applying redundancy by including an extra component (the second power supply) to mitigate failure if the primary one fails.
Define 'redundancy' in the context of system design.
Redundancy is the inclusion of extra components that can be used to mitigate failure of a system if other components fail.
Why is fault tolerance important for complex systems?
It is important because elements of complex systems fail at unexpected times, and fault tolerance allows users to continue to use the network despite these failures.
What is the relationship between redundancy and fault tolerance?
Redundancy, the inclusion of extra components, is a method used to provide the benefit of fault tolerance within a system.
How does the redundancy of routing options benefit the Internet's growth?
The redundancy of routing options helps the Internet scale to more devices and more people.
What is the consequence of failures often happening in groups in complex systems?
The text notes that failures often occur in groups, which underscores the importance of fault tolerance for allowing the system to continue functioning.
What is the trade-off associated with implementing redundancy?
Redundancy within a system often requires additional resources, such as extra components or connections.
If a specific connection on the Internet fails, what happens to the data being sent?
If a particular device or connection on the Internet fails, subsequent data will be sent via a different route, if possible.
What is a primary method for achieving network redundancy?
One way to accomplish network redundancy is by having more than one path between any two connected devices.
Besides providing fault tolerance, what is another benefit of adding redundant components to a system?
The redundancy of routing options increases the reliability of the Internet and helps it scale to more devices and people.
What is the primary benefit of fault tolerance in a system like the Internet?
The primary benefit is that the system can continue to function and be used even when individual components fail.
What is the main benefit of fault tolerance for a system's users?
Fault tolerance allows users to continue to use the network even when system elements fail unexpectedly.
What term describes a system's ability to continue functioning despite failures?
This ability is called fault tolerance.
How do multiple routing options between two points affect the Internet's performance?
The redundancy of routing options between two points increases the reliability of the Internet.
What is a fault-tolerant system?
A system that can support failures and still continue to function is called fault-tolerant.