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

The primary role of a firewall in a network is to monitor and control network traffic. Firewalls act as a security barrier between a trusted internal network and untrusted external networks, such as the Internet. They analyze incoming and outgoing traffic based on predetermined security rules and policies, allowing or blocking data packets based on their content, source, and destination. This function helps protect the network from unauthorized access, cyber threats, and malicious activities, ensuring that only legitimate traffic can pass through.

Other functions like enhancing network speed, establishing a VPN connection, or improving internet connectivity are not the primary focus of a firewall. While a properly configured firewall may indirectly contribute to better performance by preventing harmful traffic, its main purpose revolves around security and traffic management rather than speed or connectivity issues.