Which of the following best describes a router's function?

A router's primary function is to connect different networks and manage IP addresses, facilitating communication between them. It operates at the network layer of the OSI model, allowing data packets to be directed from one network to another based on their destination IP addresses. This enables devices connected to different networks, such as a local area network (LAN) and the internet, to communicate effectively.

Additionally, routers often perform Network Address Translation (NAT) which allows multiple devices on a local network to access the internet using a single public IP address. This management of IP addresses is crucial for routing traffic correctly and efficiently, ensuring that data sent from one network reaches the appropriate destination in another network.

In contrast, connecting multiple devices within a single LAN is typically managed by a switch, which operates at the data link layer. Distributing bandwidth among devices may involve other network components but is not the primary function of a router. While routers can include firewall features to help protect networks from outside threats, their fundamental role is not as a firewall but rather as a critical link between different networks.