What is the primary function of port forwarding?

The primary function of port forwarding is to redirect traffic from one IP address and port number to another. This process is essential in networking because it allows external devices to communicate with specific internal servers on a private network. When a request is made to a public IP address on a certain port, port forwarding ensures that the traffic is sent to the correct internal IP address and port number designated for that service, such as a web server or gaming server.

This capability is crucial for applications that require incoming connections from the internet, such as remote desktop services or online gaming. By properly configuring port forwarding, users can ensure that the right traffic reaches the intended destination within their network.

Other options, such as enhancing internet speed, securing data transmissions, or increasing data storage capacity, do not describe the specific function of port forwarding. These aspects are relevant to network performance and security but do not reflect the core purpose of redirecting network traffic.