Which of the following best describes the function of content inspection?

Content inspection refers to the process of examining data packets as they pass through a network to identify and analyze the content within. This is particularly important for detecting security threats such as malware, viruses, and other malicious content. By examining the actual data rather than merely the header information, devices performing content inspection can effectively block or filter out harmful material before it reaches its destination, thus enhancing network security.

In this context, the other options focus on different functionalities. Managing bandwidth relates to controlling data flow to ensure efficient use of network resources. Filtering out unwanted emails primarily addresses the issue of spam and phishing, which involves specific measures rather than generalized content analysis. Distributing server load during high traffic pertains to load balancing, a method used to optimize resource use and improve response times, which is again a distinct topic from content inspection.