What is the primary purpose of a firewall in a network?

The primary purpose of a firewall in a network is to selectively allow incoming network connections. Firewalls are crucial security devices or software that monitor incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules. Their main role is to create a barrier between trusted internal networks and untrusted external networks, such as the internet.

By selectively allowing incoming connections, firewalls enable secure access to resources while preventing unauthorized access and potential attacks. This means that they can filter traffic based on specific criteria, such as IP addresses, protocol types, and port numbers, allowing legitimate traffic while blocking unwanted or suspicious connections.

This selective approach enhances the overall security of the network by ensuring that only traffic that meets the established security rules can enter the protected network, thus reducing the risk of data breaches and other malicious activities.