What is a firewall designed to do?

A firewall is fundamentally designed to prevent unauthorized access to a network, making it a critical component in cybersecurity. Its primary role is to monitor and control incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules. By establishing a barrier between a trusted internal network and untrusted external networks, such as the internet, firewalls help safeguard sensitive data from potential cyber threats, including malware and hacking attempts.

The effectiveness of a firewall lies in its ability to allow safe traffic while blocking potentially harmful activities, which is essential for maintaining the integrity and confidentiality of network resources. This protective function is crucial for organizations looking to secure their information systems against unauthorized intrusions.

In contrast, the other choices highlight functions that are not specific to firewalls. Enhancing signal strength relates more to networking equipment like signal boosters or repeaters, translating communication protocols involves network devices like gateways, and assigning IP addresses is typically managed by a DHCP server. These functionalities do not pertain to the primary purpose of a firewall, which focuses exclusively on access control and security enforcement within a network environment.