What is the primary function of a Demilitarized Zone in network architecture?

The primary function of a Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) in network architecture is to host publicly accessible services. A DMZ is a physical or logical subnetwork that contains and exposes an organization's external-facing services to an untrusted network, usually the internet. This setup enhances security by separating these services from the internal network where sensitive data resides.

By placing public servers such as web servers, email servers, and DNS servers in the DMZ, organizations can monitor and control access to these services without compromising the security of their internal network. In case a public-facing service is attacked, the DMZ structure helps to contain the threat, preventing it from spreading to the internal network.

This arrangement allows users from the internet to access certain services without having direct access to the internal network, thus serving as a buffer zone that mitigates security risks while facilitating legitimate communication.