Which device typically connects different networks together?

A router is the device that typically connects different networks together. Its primary function is to route data packets between different IP networks, facilitating communication between devices that are not on the same local area network (LAN). For instance, when you connect to the internet from your home network, the router connects the local devices (like computers, phones, or printers) to the internet, enabling them to communicate with other networks and access online resources.

Routers use IP addresses to determine the best path for forwarding the data to its destination, effectively managing traffic between multiple networks and ensuring that data is sent and received accurately. They often include additional features such as Network Address Translation (NAT), which allows multiple devices on a local network to share a single public IP address, and they can also provide firewall security to protect the internal network.

In contrast, a switch operates primarily within a single network to connect devices and manage local traffic, an access point expands wireless coverage for devices within a network, and a modem connects a home network to the Internet Service Provider (ISP) but doesn’t typically connect different networks in the same way a router does.