What is the main responsibility of a router in a computer network?

The main responsibility of a router in a computer network is to direct data packets between different networks. Routers play a critical role in determining the best paths for data to travel from its source to its destination, which can often involve routing traffic across diverse networks and handling data transfer across the internet.

Routers analyze the destination addresses of incoming data packets and consult their routing tables to make intelligent forwarding decisions. This allows them to efficiently manage the flow of network traffic and to connect multiple devices and networks together, enabling communication and the transfer of data across various segments of the internet.

The other responsibilities listed in the options do exist but are outside the primary function of routers. For example, connecting devices within a local network is typically the role of a switch rather than a router, amplifying signal strength pertains more to repeaters or signal boosters, and while some routers may integrate firewall capabilities, their core function remains focused on routing data rather than serving specifically as security devices.