What is the purpose of a firewall?

The correct answer highlights the primary function of a firewall, which is to filter incoming and outgoing network traffic. Firewalls serve as a barrier between a trusted internal network and untrusted external networks, such as the internet. By monitoring and controlling the data that is allowed to pass through, a firewall helps protect the network from unauthorized access, cyber threats, and malicious activities.

This traffic filtering can be based on predefined security rules and policies, which may include criteria like IP addresses, port numbers, and protocols. The firewall essentially acts as a security gate, ensuring that only safe and authorized communications are permitted, which is crucial for maintaining the integrity and confidentiality of network resources.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately represent the primary role of a firewall. While it may indirectly contribute to a secure connection or affect network speed, those are not its primary functions. Similarly, firewalls are not designed to store data temporarily; they focus solely on traffic management and security. This clear delineation of roles illustrates why the filtering of network traffic is central to the operation of firewalls in any IT infrastructure.