What network device is responsible for filtering incoming and outgoing traffic?

The firewall is specifically designed to monitor and filter incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules. Its primary function is to establish a barrier between a trusted internal network and untrusted external networks, such as the internet. Firewalls can be hardware-based, software-based, or a combination of both, and they play a crucial role in protecting network resources by blocking or allowing traffic based on security policies. This makes them essential for safeguarding sensitive information and preventing unauthorized access to a network.

Other network devices serve different functions: routers are primarily used to determine the best path for data to travel between different networks, switches facilitate communication within a local network by connecting devices, and access points provide wireless connectivity to a network. While some of these devices may have limited filtering capabilities, they do not specialize in traffic filtering to the extent that a firewall does.