Which device connects multiple networks and routes traffic between them?

Which device connects multiple networks and routes traffic between them?

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

Answer: (B)

Routing between different networks is performed by a device that connects those networks and decides where to forward each packet. This device operates at the network layer, uses IP addresses, and relies on a routing table and routing protocols to choose the best path to a destination, often across multiple network segments or WAN links. A switch, by contrast, works mainly within a single network and forwards frames using MAC addresses, not IP routing between networks. An access point provides wireless connectivity for clients to join the same network, extending reach but not routing between separate networks by itself. A firewall controls and filters traffic, enforcing security policies between networks, but its primary role isn’t to route packets to different networks. So the device that connects multiple networks and routes traffic between them is the router.

Routing between different networks is performed by a device that connects those networks and decides where to forward each packet. This device operates at the network layer, uses IP addresses, and relies on a routing table and routing protocols to choose the best path to a destination, often across multiple network segments or WAN links.

A switch, by contrast, works mainly within a single network and forwards frames using MAC addresses, not IP routing between networks. An access point provides wireless connectivity for clients to join the same network, extending reach but not routing between separate networks by itself. A firewall controls and filters traffic, enforcing security policies between networks, but its primary role isn’t to route packets to different networks.

So the device that connects multiple networks and routes traffic between them is the router.