The primary purpose of a firewall in networking is to:

The primary purpose of a firewall in networking is to filter incoming and outgoing traffic. Firewalls are security devices or software that monitor and control the network traffic based on predetermined security rules. They act as a barrier between a trusted internal network and untrusted external networks, such as the internet. By filtering traffic, firewalls can block or allow data packets based on various criteria, such as IP addresses, protocols, and port numbers, ultimately helping to protect internal networks from unauthorized access and potential threats.

The other options, while they may pertain to aspects of networking, do not accurately describe the role of a firewall. For instance, boosting internet speed relates to optimizing bandwidth and network performance, not security. Providing wireless connectivity refers to the capability to connect devices to a network wirelessly, which is unrelated to the function of a firewall. Similarly, storing user data pertains to database management and storage solutions rather than network security. Thus, the emphasis on filtering traffic clearly highlights the firewall's critical role in maintaining network security.