Microsoft Azure Architect Design (AZ-304) Practice Test

Which option is the most cost-efficient way to increase network performance while ensuring the same CPU-to-memory ratio in Azure virtual machines?

1. Enable RDMA over InfiniBand

2. Configure NIC teaming

3. Enable SR-IOV

4. Install an additional network adapter

The correct answer is: Enable SR-IOV

Enabling SR-IOV (Single Root Input/Output Virtualization) is the most cost-efficient way to enhance network performance while maintaining the same CPU-to-memory ratio in Azure virtual machines. SR-IOV allows network traffic to bypass the virtual switch and access the physical network hardware directly. This significantly reduces latency and increases throughput without consuming additional CPU resources for processing network tasks, preserving the CPU-to-memory ratio. This is especially beneficial in scenarios requiring high network performance, as it provides more efficient data handling and reduces the virtualization overhead associated with traditional networking methods. By allowing virtual machines to directly communicate with the network hardware, SR-IOV not only enhances performance but does so in a way that is cost-effective, as it eliminates the need for additional hardware or extensive configuration changes that could disrupt existing resources. In contrast, while enabling RDMA over InfiniBand might also enhance performance, it may not be as broadly applicable or cost-efficient across all workloads as SR-IOV. Configuring NIC teaming can improve fault tolerance and aggregate bandwidth, but it typically does not match the performance gains offered by SR-IOV. Installing an additional network adapter increases costs and complicates physical configuration, which may not provide the same level of performance enhancement as SR-IO