What does the term “routing table” refer to?

The term "routing table" specifically refers to a data table stored in a router that contains information about the paths or routes to various network destinations. This table is essential for the router's ability to make decisions about where to forward packets of data across a network. It includes destination addresses, information about the next hop for each route, the metric associated with each route, and the route’s status. The data in the routing table enables the router to determine the most efficient path to route traffic towards its destination, contributing to effective network communication and management.

Other choices, while they may reference components involved in networking, do not accurately define a routing table. A mere list of network devices lacks the specific routing information necessary for data transmission decisions. A record of user access points refers more to user connectivity rather than how routing decisions are made. Lastly, a protocol for data transfer is related to the standards and rules governing data communication but does not encompass the specific function of a routing table. Thus, the identification of option B as the correct choice is grounded in the precise definition of what a routing table entails within the context of networking.