Which device is primarily responsible for connecting different segments of a network?

The device primarily responsible for connecting different segments of a network is a router. A router operates at the network layer of the OSI model and is designed to route data packets between different networks, ensuring that information is sent to its correct destination across multiple interconnected networks or subnets.

Routers use IP addresses to determine the best path for data transfer, making it possible to connect diverse network segments that may employ different protocols. This functionality allows routers to not only facilitate communication between local networks and the internet but also to manage traffic efficiently by determining the most effective routes for data.

In contrast, a hub is a basic networking device that connects multiple Ethernet devices, making them act as a single network segment, but it does not route traffic between different networks. A switch operates at the data link layer and connects devices on the same local area network (LAN), efficiently managing traffic within that segment. Network cables are the physical medium used for transmitting data between devices but do not perform any logical operations or routing functions.