Which of the following best describes the function of a DMZ in network architecture?

The function of a DMZ, or demilitarized zone, in network architecture is primarily to serve as a public access area where external users can reach certain resources while maintaining an additional layer of security for the internal network. By placing servers or services that need to be accessed by external users—such as web servers, email servers, or DNS servers—in the DMZ, organizations can control and monitor traffic entering and exiting while protecting the sensitive internal network from potential threats.

This architecture allows for better risk management; even if a service in the DMZ is compromised, the internal network remains isolated and secure. The DMZ acts as a buffer zone, providing a controlled point of exposure to external users while safeguarding the internal assets from direct access. Thus, the best description of a DMZ is that it is a public access area where external users can reach certain resources.