What role does a router play in a network?

A router serves a crucial function in networking by connecting multiple networks and directing traffic between them. Its primary job is to determine the best path for data packets to travel from the source network to the destination network, efficiently managing how data flows in and out of different segments of the network. Routers utilize protocols to communicate with other routers and make routing decisions based on various factors like distance, traffic load, and network topology.

Unlike devices that connect within a local area, a router facilitates communication between different networks, such as a local network and the internet. This capability is especially important in larger network architectures, where multiple subnetworks need to communicate seamlessly. While some devices, like switches or hubs, manage traffic within a single local network, only routers can manage traffic between multiple networks effectively.

The other options focus on different functions. Connecting devices within a local network is primarily the job of switches. Amplifying signals over long distances is often the responsibility of repeaters or range extenders, while providing power to network devices typically relates to Power over Ethernet technology used in conjunction with network switches, not routers themselves.