A technician is searching through a storage locker and finds a Cisco ASA 5505-X (UTM). What is the purpose of this device?

The purpose of a Cisco ASA 5505-X (UTM), found by the technician, is to be an all-in-one security appliance that includes IDS/IPS (Intrusion Detection System/Intrusion Prevention System) functionality as well as stateful firewall services. The Cisco ASA (Adaptive Security Appliance) 5505-X is a part of Cisco’s range of network security devices and is designed to provide comprehensive, enterprise-class security. It combines several security functions including:

• Stateful Firewall Services: Monitoring and controlling incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules.
• Intrusion Detection and Prevention (IDS/IPS): Identifying and managing potential threats, including unauthorized access attempts and vulnerabilities.
• It may also include other features like VPN (Virtual Private Network) capabilities, content security, and more, making it a versatile tool for network security.

The other options describe different types of network devices or functionalities:

• A device whose sole purpose is to connect end devices and to microsegment a LAN is typically a network switch. It’s used to connect various devices within a LAN.
• A device that connects multiple end devices and can be configured for VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks) and port security is a network switch. This is mainly used for managing network traffic and securing network segments.
• A device that uses radio waves to provide network access to wireless devices is a wireless access point or a wireless router. This is used in wireless networking environments.