What is the function of a router in a network?

A router plays a crucial role in networking by connecting different networks and facilitating the routing of data between them. Its primary function is to direct traffic across these interconnected networks, including the Internet and local area networks (LANs). Routers use routing tables and protocols to determine the best path for data packets to reach their destination, ensuring efficient communication between devices that may not be part of the same local network.

In addition to enabling connectivity, routers also perform several other functions, such as network address translation (NAT) and providing basic security by implementing firewall features. However, the defining characteristic of a router is its capability to interconnect various networks and manage the flow of information between them, rather than focusing on any single device or user authentication.

Other options present alternative network functions that do not encapsulate the primary role of a router. While user authentication typically involves devices such as servers or specialized access points, amplifying network signals is a function performed by network extenders or repeaters. Providing Wi-Fi access usually falls within the responsibilities of access points or wireless routers, but again, this is a specific feature rather than the fundamental purpose of routers in a networking context.