In configuring firewall settings, which option relates to monitoring status?

The option that relates specifically to monitoring status is about observing and tracking traffic without making any alterations to that traffic. In the context of firewall settings, "Monitor Only" allows administrators to see what traffic is passing through the firewall without enforcing any blocking or allowing actions. This mode is useful for audit and analysis purposes, helping to identify patterns, potential threats, or unauthorized access attempts without impacting the traffic flow.

When a firewall is configured to "Monitor Only," it collects logs and generates alerts based on the traffic that would have been blocked or allowed, enabling the administrator to make informed decisions later about policy adjustments. By using this monitoring capability, administrators can fine-tune firewall rules and improve security posture based on real-time data before implementing stricter controls.

The other options, such as "Block only," "Allow connections," and "Full access," are focused on controlling the traffic rather than monitoring it. These configurations actively manage how the traffic flows through the firewall based on specified rules, but they do not provide the same passive observational capability that "Monitor Only" offers.