Which device forwards packets between networks?

Which device forwards packets between networks?

• A. Router
• B. Switch
• C. Hub
• D. Bridge

Answer: (A)

Forwarding packets between networks requires treating the destination as part of a different network and making routing decisions to reach it. That's what a router does: it operates at the network layer, reads IP addresses, consults routing tables, and moves the packet from one network to another, possibly choosing the best path along the way. In contrast, a switch directs frames within a single network by using MAC addresses, so it doesn’t route between different networks. A bridge connects network segments but also works at a data-link level, typically still within the same IP network. A hub simply repeats signals to all ports with no decision making. Therefore, the device that forwards packets between networks is the router.

Forwarding packets between networks requires treating the destination as part of a different network and making routing decisions to reach it. That's what a router does: it operates at the network layer, reads IP addresses, consults routing tables, and moves the packet from one network to another, possibly choosing the best path along the way.

In contrast, a switch directs frames within a single network by using MAC addresses, so it doesn’t route between different networks. A bridge connects network segments but also works at a data-link level, typically still within the same IP network. A hub simply repeats signals to all ports with no decision making. Therefore, the device that forwards packets between networks is the router.