What capability does application deep packet inspection firewalls include?

The capability of application deep packet inspection (DPI) firewalls primarily lies in their ability to examine the contents of network packets at the Layer 3 to Layer 7 levels of the OSI model. This level of inspection allows these firewalls to analyze not just the basic header information, but also the payload data contained within the packets. This means they can look for specific applications' signatures, protocols, and even user behaviors to assess and control the data passing through the network.

By operating at these layers, DPI firewalls can implement more sophisticated security controls, such as identifying and blocking malicious traffic, preventing unwanted applications, and enforcing security policies based on the specific content of the data packets. This capability ensures that organizations can better protect themselves against various threats, including malware, intrusion attempts, and other forms of data breaches that might not be evident by merely examining packet headers.

The other options do not align with the intended functionality of application deep packet inspection firewalls. For instance, simply analyzing Layer 2 packet headers would not provide the necessary detail for security analytics. Relying solely on virus detection signatures limits the capability of the firewall since it would not address various other threats and normal traffic patterns. Lastly, claiming that the firewall functions solely without additional features