What is the primary function of a router?

The primary function of a router is to connect and direct traffic between networks. Routers play a critical role in networking by receiving incoming data packets from one network and determining the best path for that data to reach its destination, which can be another network or a device on a different network. This process involves examining the packet's destination address and making routing decisions based on a set of rules and information about the state of the various networks connected to the router.

By forwarding data packets across different networks, routers facilitate communication between devices that may be on completely separate networks, such as a home network and the internet. They also manage traffic load, ensuring efficient data transmission and minimizing congestion on a network. This ability to direct traffic intelligently is essential for the functioning of both local area networks (LANs) and wide area networks (WANs).

In contrast, encrypting network communication is primarily the role of security protocols, while storing user credentials is managed by servers or authentication services. Analyzing network security typically involves specialized software and tools rather than the fundamental function of a router.