What is the primary function of a router in a network?

What is the primary function of a router in a network?

• A. Provide internet access to all devices
• B. Connect different devices and route network traffic
• C. Store data for later access
• D. Control the security of network connections

Answer: (B)

The primary function of a router in a network is to connect different devices and route network traffic. Routers play a crucial role in facilitating communication between various networks and ensuring data packets are sent to the appropriate destinations. They analyze the destination IP addresses of the packets and determine the best pathway for the data to travel across the network. By managing traffic, routers help to reduce congestion and enhance the overall efficiency of data transmission. They can connect devices within a local area network (LAN) and also link different LANs to form wider networks, including connecting to the internet. This routing capability is essential for ensuring that devices can communicate effectively both within a single network and across multiple networks. The other options highlight functionalities that are either secondary to or separate from the primary role of a router. Providing internet access involves additional components and responsibilities beyond routing, while storing data falls under the functions of storage devices, and controlling security connections is typically managed by firewalls or security appliances rather than routers themselves.

The primary function of a router in a network is to connect different devices and route network traffic. Routers play a crucial role in facilitating communication between various networks and ensuring data packets are sent to the appropriate destinations. They analyze the destination IP addresses of the packets and determine the best pathway for the data to travel across the network.

By managing traffic, routers help to reduce congestion and enhance the overall efficiency of data transmission. They can connect devices within a local area network (LAN) and also link different LANs to form wider networks, including connecting to the internet. This routing capability is essential for ensuring that devices can communicate effectively both within a single network and across multiple networks.

The other options highlight functionalities that are either secondary to or separate from the primary role of a router. Providing internet access involves additional components and responsibilities beyond routing, while storing data falls under the functions of storage devices, and controlling security connections is typically managed by firewalls or security appliances rather than routers themselves.