What is the primary purpose of a network firewall in a data centre?

The primary purpose of a network firewall in a data centre is to protect the network from unauthorized access and threats. A firewall acts as a security barrier between a trusted internal network and untrusted external networks, such as the internet. It monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules. By filtering traffic and blocking potentially harmful data packets, a firewall helps safeguard sensitive information, prevents unauthorized access, and mitigates various cyber threats, like viruses and intrusion attempts.

This function is essential in maintaining data integrity and ensuring that the critical infrastructure within the data centre remains secure from external attacks. While aspects like server speed, data storage management, and user experience may be impacted indirectly by the presence of a firewall, they do not represent the firewall's primary role within the context of data centre operations.