What built-in capability can be used to control network traffic based on port, protocol, and IP address?

Access Control Lists (ACLs) are fundamental components in network security that enable the control of network traffic based on specific criteria such as port, protocol, and IP address. ACLs are used within routers and switches to define what traffic is allowed or denied through the network devices. By specifying conditions, ACLs can filter incoming and outgoing traffic, ensuring that only authorized communications pass through while blocking potentially harmful or unwanted traffic.

This built-in capability is crucial for managing network security policies, allowing administrators to define detailed rules for network traffic flow. For instance, an ACL can be configured to permit traffic from a specific IP address using a designated protocol on a certain port, while denying all other traffic. This granular level of control helps enforce security measures and compliance with organizational policies.

In contrast, traffic shaping deals with managing bandwidth and optimizing the flow of data without focusing primarily on filtering based on IP addresses or ports. Firewalls, while also capable of controlling traffic, often operate at a broader level, combining various methods (including stateful filtering, NAT, etc.) rather than being limited to the criteria specified by ACLs. Proxy servers serve a different purpose by acting as intermediaries for requests from clients seeking resources from other servers, rather than directly filtering traffic based on the