What is the primary purpose of a server firewall?

The primary purpose of a server firewall is to filter incoming and outgoing network traffic. This is crucial for protecting servers from unauthorized access and cyber threats. A firewall acts as a barrier between a trusted internal network and untrusted external networks, such as the internet, by establishing rules that determine which traffic is allowed and which is blocked. This function is vital in maintaining the security and integrity of server data and services, as it helps prevent unauthorized users from accessing sensitive information or exploiting vulnerabilities in the server.

The other choices focus on different aspects of server operations that do not pertain to the main function of a firewall. Monitoring server performance metrics is essential for understanding how well a server is performing but does not directly contribute to its security. Enhancing file retrieval speed relates to improving data access efficiency rather than blocking or allowing network traffic. Managing network resource allocation involves distributing bandwidth and computing resources, which is a separate function and not the primary role of a firewall.