What is the primary purpose of a DMZ in networking?

The primary purpose of a DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) in networking is to provide a layer of security for external services. A DMZ is a subnetwork that acts as a buffer between an organization's internal network and external networks, commonly the Internet. By placing servers that provide services to external users—such as web servers, email servers, and DNS servers—in the DMZ, organizations can protect the internal network from direct exposure to outside threats.

This setup allows external users to access necessary resources while minimizing the risk to sensitive internal data and systems. The traffic to and from the DMZ can be closely monitored and managed, providing an additional security layer that helps prevent unauthorized access to the internal network. The use of firewalls and security policies enables the control of traffic between the DMZ, the internal network, and the Internet, enhancing the overall security posture of the organization.

The other choices do not appropriately describe the function of a DMZ. Increasing network speed relates more to performance optimization rather than security. Storing internal files securely pertains to data management and storage solutions, which is not the role of a DMZ. Managing internal user permissions is focused on access control within the organization, rather than the protection and functioning of servers exposed to external networks