Final answer:
To permit a new BYOD machine to connect to the network, port security settings on the network switch must be updated to recognize the device. Other options like Firewall, VPN, and remote access do not directly relate to the immediate problem of connecting the device to the network.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a new employee is trying to connect a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) machine to the network and cannot access it, one of the configurations that often needs to be addressed is port security. Port security is a feature on network switches that controls access to the network by limiting the devices that are allowed to connect through a switch port. When a new device is plugged into the network, the MAC address may not be recognized, or the number of allowed connections may have been exceeded, triggering port security and prohibiting access. Therefore, ensuring the port security settings are updated to include the new employee's device is essential for network access.
Of the given options, only port security is directly related to initially plugging into and accessing a physical network. Options such as Firewall configurations and Virtual Private Network (VPN) are also important for network security and remote access, respectively, but they don't usually prevent an initial wired connection. Remote access is more about accessing the network from a distant location, not from physically connecting to the network.