Which of the following is a primary function of a router?

A primary function of a router is to route data packets between networks. Routers are essential devices in networking that manage the traffic of data packets across different networks. They act as intermediaries that determine the best path for data to travel from the source to the destination. By analyzing the destination addresses in the packet header and utilizing various routing protocols, routers can efficiently forward packets to their appropriate networks or subnets.

This capability is critical for enabling communication between devices on separate networks, such as a home network connecting to the broader internet or multiple internal networks within an organization communicating with each other. The intelligence of routers allows them to handle routing tasks, making them vital for maintaining proper connectivity and communication in network environments.