014.01.56.1. Why is it essential for routers to include a firewall in network configurations? Explain the role of firewalls in safeguarding smaller networks from potentially harmful traffic originating from the internet.
When a packet is coming from the internet to the local network, the router doesn't know whether it is safe or not. If it is unsafe it can damage the entire network. Hence, routers need to include some kind of firewall. Firewalls protect the smmaler network from harmful traffic by using checkpoints at the points of data transfer. Firewall usually sits between the internet and a smaller network.
When a packet comes from the internet to the local network, the router can't determine if it's safe. If it's unsafe, it can harm the entire network. That's why routers should have a firewall. Firewalls act like security guards for smaller networks, setting up checkpoints at data transfer points to block harmful traffic. Typically, a firewall is positioned between the internet and a smaller network, ensuring protection.