What device forwards data packets between computer networks?

What device forwards data packets between computer networks?

• A. Router
• B. Switch
• C. Firewall
• D. Access point

Answer: (A)

A router forwards data packets between computer networks. It operates at the network layer and uses destination IP addresses to decide the next hop, consulting routing tables to route traffic from one network to another (for example, from a local LAN to the Internet). This inter-network forwarding is what distinguishes a router from other devices. A switch, by contrast, stays within a single network and forwards frames based on MAC addresses. A firewall focuses on enforcing security rules and filtering traffic, not on routing between networks. An access point provides wireless connectivity to a network and does not determine paths between different networks.

A router forwards data packets between computer networks. It operates at the network layer and uses destination IP addresses to decide the next hop, consulting routing tables to route traffic from one network to another (for example, from a local LAN to the Internet). This inter-network forwarding is what distinguishes a router from other devices.

A switch, by contrast, stays within a single network and forwards frames based on MAC addresses. A firewall focuses on enforcing security rules and filtering traffic, not on routing between networks. An access point provides wireless connectivity to a network and does not determine paths between different networks.