What is the primary function of the Kerberos V5 protocol?

The primary function of the Kerberos V5 protocol is to provide enterprise authentication within a trusted domain. Kerberos is a network authentication protocol that uses secret-key cryptography to allow secure verification of identities between users and services in a network environment. This involves issuing tickets that authenticate users without transmitting passwords over the network, thereby enhancing security within the enterprise.

Kerberos operates on the principle of a trusted third-party authentication system, where the Key Distribution Center (KDC) plays a crucial role in the authentication process. By managing and distributing these tickets securely, Kerberos ensures that both users and services can confirm each other's identities reliably, thereby mitigating the risks associated with impersonation and eavesdropping in a corporate network.

In contrast, the other choices do not accurately represent Kerberos's main function. Managing network bandwidth pertains to traffic control rather than authentication. Encrypting data transmitted over the internet is typically handled by different protocols such as SSL/TLS. Creating virtual private networks is focused on secure tunneling and remote access rather than the primary task of authentication, which is the key role fulfilled by Kerberos V5.