What does server scaling refer to?

Server scaling refers to the process of adding resources to a server or expanding the server's capabilities to handle an increase in workload. This can involve adding more CPUs, memory, storage, or even deploying additional servers to distribute the load effectively. The goal of scaling is to ensure that applications remain responsive and can handle a growing number of users or transactions without degradation in performance.

This concept is particularly important in environments where demand can fluctuate, as it allows organizations to maintain optimal performance and user experience. Effective scaling strategies can be categorized as vertical scaling, where resources are added to an existing server, or horizontal scaling, where additional servers are added to the infrastructure.

Other options relate to various server management topics but do not accurately define server scaling. Increasing the physical size of server hardware pertains to the tangible aspects of the hardware rather than the allocation of computational resources. Enhancing security protocols focuses on protecting and securing the server rather than adjusting resources to accommodate traffic. Monitoring server performance metrics is important for identifying potential issues but does not directly involve scaling the server's capabilities to handle load.