What does it mean for a firewall to block network connections originating from outside the system?

Blocking network connections originating from outside the system means that the firewall is configured to accept connections only from the local network or the system itself, while rejecting any external connection attempts. This approach enhances security by preventing unauthorized access from external threats.

In this context, when a firewall allows only local connections, it ensures that outside entities cannot reach the system, effectively isolating it from potential attacks or unauthorized access attempts. By rejecting all other incoming connections, the firewall protects sensitive data and services running on the machine, allowing them to operate without the risk of external interference.

This capability is a fundamental aspect of firewall functionality, which is primarily designed to control incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules. The other options pertain to different functions or configurations of firewalls but do not align with the primary definition of blocking external network connections.