TestOut LabSim A+ Certification Practice Exam

What is the primary purpose of a router in a network?

1. To block unwanted traffic

2. To connect different networks and route packets

3. To serve as a file server

4. To provide wireless access

The correct answer is: To connect different networks and route packets

The primary purpose of a router is to connect different networks and route packets between them. Routers play a crucial role in networking by determining the best path for data packets as they travel from one network to another. They utilize routing tables and protocols to make these decisions, ensuring efficient and accurate delivery of data. When a data packet is sent across a network, the router examines the packet's destination address to decide where to forward it next. This process may involve sending the packet through multiple routers and networks before it reaches its final destination, which is essential for Internet functionality and inter-network communication. Other options present functionalities related to network management or services, but they do not capture the primary role of a router. For instance, blocking unwanted traffic might describe the function of a firewall rather than a router, serving as a file server relates more to dedicated storage devices, and providing wireless access pertains to wireless access points rather than the core duty of a router. Thus, the correct characterization of a router's function is its ability to connect different networks and route packets effectively.