Which of the following accurately describes the main function of a router in a network?

The primary function of a router in a network is to connect multiple networks and route data between them. Routers are integral to directing traffic on the internet and ensuring data packets reach their intended destinations efficiently. They examine the destination IP address of each packet and determine the best path for it, which may involve passing the packet through several networks.

Routers can connect various types of networks, such as local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and the internet itself. They also manage traffic, prevent packet collisions, perform network address translation (NAT), and often include features for quality of service (QoS) to prioritize specific types of data, ensuring reliable communication across diverse network architectures.

This routing capability distinguishes routers from other devices in a network, such as switches, which primarily connect devices within the same network to facilitate communication but do not route data between different networks.