Palo Alto Networks (PANW) System Engineer (PSE) Practice Exam

In which layer is the firewall capable of inspecting and providing threat prevention for tagged or untagged traffic?

1. Layer 3

2. Layer 7

3. Layer 4

4. Layer 2

The correct answer is: Layer 2

The firewall is capable of inspecting and providing threat prevention for both tagged and untagged traffic at Layer 2. This layer, also known as the data link layer, deals with the transmission of data frames between devices on the same local area network (LAN). Firewalls operating at this layer can analyze traffic without being concerned about the protocol used, allowing for more flexibility in handling various types of Ethernet frames. By inspecting traffic at Layer 2, firewalls can effectively manage and filter traffic before it even reaches the upper layers where more complex protocols like TCP/IP are utilized. This capability is essential for detecting and preventing threats in environments with diverse network traffic, as it ensures security measures are applied universally, regardless of how the traffic is tagged or formatted. Layer 2 threat prevention can include measures such as blocking certain types of traffic, preventing MAC address spoofing, and monitoring for suspicious patterns that may indicate malicious activity. This proactive approach to security is vital for maintaining the integrity and safety of network communications.