Description: An Extended Access Control List (ACL) is a set of rules that control the flow of traffic in a network, allowing or denying the passage of data packets based on specific criteria. Unlike standard ACLs, which can only filter traffic by source IP address, extended ACLs provide greater granularity by allowing filtering by both source and destination IP addresses, as well as by protocols, ports, and other parameters. This makes them essential tools for managing security in networks, as they enable administrators to define more complex and specific access policies. Extended ACLs are commonly used in networking devices such as routers and switches, where they can be applied to specific interfaces to control the traffic entering and leaving. Their implementation is crucial for protecting network infrastructure against unauthorized access and ensuring that only legitimate traffic can communicate across the network. Additionally, extended ACLs are fundamental in network segmentation, allowing organizations to create more secure and efficient environments by limiting access to critical resources.
