What defines a network bottleneck?

A network bottleneck is defined by limitations resulting from a specific node or link within the network. This occurs when the capacity of the node or link is significantly lower than that of other components in the network, causing delays and reduced performance. For instance, if a router can process data at a lower rate than the rest of the network can send data, it becomes a bottleneck, hindering overall data flow and slowing down network performance.

In contrast, other choices refer to conditions that do not typically define a bottleneck. A rapid data processing rate by all nodes would suggest an efficient network without bottlenecks. High-speed links between servers indicate robust connectivity that would mitigate the risk of bottlenecks, and increases in network redundancy are meant to enhance reliability and performance rather than causing a limitation. Thus, the essence of a network bottleneck relies on the constraints imposed by specific components that are not able to handle the operational load effectively.