Advanced Placement (AP) Computer Science

Which of the following is NOT a function of a firewall?

1. Block unauthorized access

2. Manage IP address allocation

3. Monitor outgoing connections

4. Filter incoming traffic

The correct answer is: Manage IP address allocation

The function of a firewall is primarily to enforce security policies by controlling incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules. Firewalls serve to block unauthorized access, monitor outgoing connections to detect any suspicious activities, and filter incoming traffic to allow only safe data packets through. Monitoring outgoing connections helps to ensure that internal systems are not compromised and do not send sensitive data outside the network without authorization. Similarly, filtering incoming traffic prevents potentially harmful data from entering the network. Managing IP address allocation, however, falls under the functions of a different type of networking device, typically a DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) server, which is responsible for assigning IP addresses to devices on a network. This task is not associated with the primary functions of a firewall, making it the correct answer in this context.