What does the acronym ACL stand for in networking?

The acronym ACL in networking stands for Access Control List. An Access Control List is a data structure used to determine permissions for users or systems attempting to access resources such as files, directories, or network devices. Each entry in an ACL specifies a set of permissions (like read, write, or execute) for a particular user or group.

In the context of networking, ACLs are particularly significant because they help in controlling who can access what within a network. For instance, they can be implemented on firewalls and routers to permit or deny traffic based on various criteria, including IP addresses, protocols, and port numbers. This forms a crucial part of network security by enabling administrators to define rules that manage traffic and protect sensitive data.

Other terms might seem plausible but do not align with the established usage in networking. For example, Access Control Link does not accurately convey the concept of permission management; Attachment Control List is not a standard term in networking and fails to reflect the role of access permissions; similarly, Application Control Layer pertains to a different aspect of software architecture rather than access permissions in networks.