CompTIA CASP+ Practice Test

In a storage environment, what does deduplication achieve?

1. Increases read/write speeds

2. Reduces storage capacity requirements

3. Improves backup frequency

4. Enhances data encryption

The correct answer is: Reduces storage capacity requirements

Deduplication achieves the reduction of storage capacity requirements by eliminating duplicate copies of data within a storage system. When deduplication is implemented, it analyzes data blocks and identifies identical segments across multiple files or within the same file. Instead of storing multiple copies of the same data, it keeps a single copy and references it wherever it appears. This process significantly minimizes the amount of storage space needed, which is especially beneficial in environments where large amounts of similar data are stored, such as virtual machines or backups. This method of data management is particularly effective in reducing costs associated with storage, as it allows organizations to maximize their available capacity without needing to invest in additional physical storage hardware. While deduplication can indirectly enhance read/write operations by keeping more data in memory and reducing I/O operations, its primary function is to optimize storage efficiency.