What is the primary role of an SSH client?

The primary role of an SSH client is to connect securely to an SSH server. SSH, or Secure Shell, is a protocol used to securely access and manage devices over a network. The SSH client acts as the interface through which a user can establish a secure connection to the server. When the SSH client initiates a connection, it performs authentication processes to ensure that the user is granted access to the server securely, utilizing encryption to protect the data being transmitted. This secure connection allows users to execute commands, transfer files, and manage remote systems with a high level of security, safeguarding against eavesdropping or unauthorized access.

In contrast, configuring network settings involves adjusting parameters related to network interfaces, which is not the function of the SSH client. While data encryption is a significant aspect of the SSH protocol, it is not the role of the client itself to encrypt packets; rather, the protocol employs encryption to secure the connection. Managing user permissions focuses on the control of access levels for different users, which is a responsibility typically handled at the server level and is not a direct function of the SSH client.