CompTIA Network+ Practice Test

What does the term "configuration drift" refer to in network management?

1. The need for physical hardware updates

2. The variation in system configurations over time

3. The natural degradation of network cables

4. A method of enhancing security protocols

The correct answer is: The variation in system configurations over time

The term "configuration drift" refers specifically to the variation in system configurations over time. This phenomenon occurs when the actual configuration of devices or systems deviates from the desired or documented configuration. Such drift can happen due to manual changes made by administrators, automatic system updates, or the introduction of new devices into the network. Over time, these changes can lead to inconsistencies that complicate network management, hinder operational efficiency, and increase the risk of security vulnerabilities due to unapproved configurations. This understanding of configuration drift highlights the importance of maintaining accurate records and regularly auditing configurations against a baseline. In contrast, the other options do not accurately capture the essence of configuration drift. The need for physical hardware updates relates more to hardware lifecycle management, the natural degradation of network cables is a consideration in network maintenance and does not focus on system configurations, and enhancing security protocols pertains specifically to improving security measures rather than addressing discrepancies in configuration management.