What is a function of a router in a network?

A router serves a crucial role in networking by connecting different networks and routing packets of data between them. This function allows devices on separate networks (for example, two different local area networks) to communicate with each other effectively. When a router receives data packets, it evaluates the destination IP address and determines the best path for the packet to take through the network, ensuring that it reaches its intended destination efficiently.

The router uses routing protocols and algorithms to make decisions on how to forward packets, which might involve passing through multiple routers before reaching the final destination. This capability is essential for the functioning of the internet, where diverse networks with different configurations need to interconnect smoothly.

While other options mention important network functions, they do not accurately describe the primary role of a router. For instance, the task of storing data files is typically associated with servers or storage devices, managing network security is often the responsibility of firewalls or security appliances, and providing hardware for internet access is typically the role of a modem or a gateway rather than a router itself. Hence, the specific function of packets routing between different networks distinctly highlights why the router is essential in a network environment.