What occurs in Inline Mode with regard to packet streams?

In Inline Mode, packet streams are actively processed in real time, allowing for comprehensive analysis and the application of security rules. This means that as packets pass through the system, they are inspected for threats and can trigger specific responses according to predefined security policies. The inline configuration ensures that packets are not merely observed but are instead subject to active security measures, which can include blocking malicious traffic, alerting administrators, or taking other protective actions.

This approach is essential for threat detection and mitigation because it enables immediate responses to malicious activities as they occur, thereby enhancing the security posture of the network. The system's ability to analyze packets on-the-fly and apply appropriate rules is a fundamental advantage of Inline Mode over other configurations, where actions may be limited to logging or simply passing packets without intervention.