How does a Virtual Private Network (VPN) relate to firewalls?

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is designed to create a secure, encrypted tunnel for data transmission over the internet, allowing remote users to connect to a private network safely. When discussing the relationship between VPNs and firewalls, it's important to understand that firewalls are security devices that monitor and control incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules.

The correct answer indicates that a VPN facilitates secure remote access by establishing a protected tunnel that can traverse a firewall. This is significant because while the firewall enforces security policies, it is not an impediment to VPN traffic when configured properly. Firewalls typically have rules that allow VPN traffic, as it is often critical for enabling secure access to resources and maintaining the confidentiality and integrity of the data being transmitted.

In contrast, a VPN does not render firewalls obsolete, as both serve distinct but complementary roles in network security. Firewalls are integral to safeguarding the network perimeter, while VPNs provide secure connections for users who need to access the network remotely. Additionally, a VPN does not function entirely independently of firewall systems; it often relies on the correct configuration of firewall settings to ensure that the VPN traffic is allowed and properly routed.