Packet filtering in a firewall refers to what capability?

Packet filtering in a firewall specifically refers to the capability of performing stateless inspection of individual packets. This function allows the firewall to evaluate incoming and outgoing packets based on predefined rules, determining whether to allow or block that traffic.

Stateless inspection involves checking packets in isolation rather than considering the context of an ongoing session. It looks at various attributes of each packet, including source and destination IP addresses, port numbers, and the protocol used (such as TCP or UDP). By assessing these parameters against established security rules, the firewall enforces policies at the packet level.

Other capabilities, such as monitoring file types, tracking active sessions, or regulating network speed, involve different mechanisms and are not the primary functions of packet filtering. These would require a more advanced level of inspection or functionality beyond simple packet filtering, thereby highlighting the specialized role of stateless inspection in maintaining network security through packet filtering.