CompTIA Network+ Practice Test

What traffic management function is most often associated with firewalls?

1. Filtering traffic by application type

2. Providing DHCP services

3. Translating network addresses

4. Encapsulating application data

The correct answer is: Filtering traffic by application type

Filtering traffic by application type is a primary function of firewalls, which play a vital role in network security. Firewalls are designed to monitor and control incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules. By filtering traffic based on application type, firewalls can block or allow connections based on specific applications or services, enhancing security by restricting unauthorized access and preventing malicious traffic from entering the network. This capability allows organizations to establish a safer environment by ensuring only legitimate application traffic is permitted. The other functions mentioned do not align primarily with the core responsibilities of firewalls. Providing DHCP services involves assigning IP addresses to devices on a network, which is not a function of a firewall. Translating network addresses refers to the process of NAT (Network Address Translation), which is typically handled by routers rather than firewalls. Encapsulating application data pertains to how data is wrapped for transport across a network, which is part of the networking protocols rather than a specific traffic management feature of firewalls. Therefore, the association of filtering traffic by application type with firewalls is accurate and highlights their critical role in maintaining network security.