Which characteristic is typical of a firewall?

A firewall is primarily designed to monitor and control network traffic based on predetermined security rules. Its main function is to establish a barrier between a trusted internal network and untrusted external networks, such as the internet. This characteristic allows firewalls to analyze incoming and outgoing traffic, block unauthorized access, and permit only the traffic that meets specified security criteria. By enforcing these security policies, firewalls help protect network resources from cyber threats, ensuring the integrity and confidentiality of data.

Other characteristics mentioned, like providing wireless connectivity, increasing network speed, or assigning subnets to devices, do not align with the main purpose of a firewall. Firewalls do not inherently manage wireless connections or boost network speeds, as these functions are typically handled by other network devices like routers and access points. Similarly, while subnetting is important for network organization, it is not a direct function of a firewall; rather, it falls under the responsibilities of network design and management.