What role does a data node primarily serve?

The primary function of a data node is to store and manage policy objects and traffic flows. In the context of Illumio Core, data nodes are responsible for the critical task of holding the information that defines security policies and the flow of traffic that these policies govern. This includes maintaining a record of the various rules and configurations that dictate how applications and workloads communicate with one another while adhering to security protocols.

By centralizing this data, data nodes play a vital role in the application of security policies across the network, ensuring that communication adheres to predefined rules. This is essential for maintaining the overall security posture of an organization, allowing for the controlled and monitored operation of applications in a dynamic environment.

In contrast, the other roles listed are not primarily associated with data nodes. User interface management involves tasks that are typically handled by front-end systems or user interface components. Executing external API requests is generally the domain of services designed to integrate with other applications or platforms, not the responsibility of data nodes themselves. Monitoring system performance involves oversight and analytics functions, focusing more on the operational aspects of the system rather than the storage and management of policy-related data.