What is the primary purpose of a router?

The primary purpose of a router is to direct data packets between networks. Routers are essential devices in networking that connect different networks together, enabling them to communicate with one another. They determine the best path for data to travel based on the destination IP address, allowing information to be transferred efficiently across the various interconnected networks, including the internet. By analyzing network traffic and leveraging protocols, routers facilitate effective communication not only within a local network but also across different networks, making them integral to the overall function of modern networking.

In contrast, the other options represent different functions that do not align with the primary role of a router. Connecting devices within a single network is typically the role of a switch, file storage management is the function of a server or storage device, and amplifying wireless signals pertains to range extenders or repeaters, which enhance the coverage of wireless networks rather than routing data between different networks.