What are ordered sequences of Access Control Entries known as?

Access Control Entries (ACEs) are individual rules that define permitted or denied traffic on a network device. When these entries are organized in a specific order to form a complete set of traffic control policies, they are collectively known as Access Control Lists (ACLs).

The order of the ACEs matters because ACLs process the entries sequentially, examining each rule until a match is found. Upon finding a match, the relevant action (permit or deny) is executed, and no further entries are checked. This ordered processing allows network administrators to create granular control over the traffic flowing through networks, enabling them to enforce security policies effectively.

While access lists, routing tables, and firewall rules may relate to network management, they do not specifically define the ordered sequences of ACEs, making Access Control Lists the most accurate term for this concept. Access lists refer generally to the collection of ACLs, while routing tables pertain to path selection for data packets. Firewall rules are often part of ACLs but do not encompass the totality or the ordered nature of ACEs. Thus, Access Control Lists is the correct terminology to describe the organized sequences of Access Control Entries.