Which of the following is a primary function of a router?

• A. Determine the best path to send packets
• B. Encrypt traffic end-to-end
• C. Provide end-user authentication
• D. Manage user permissions

Answer: (A)

Routers decide the best path for forwarding packets across networks. They operate at the network layer, examining the destination IP address and using a routing table to determine the next-hop device and outgoing interface. This path selection enables packets to travel efficiently from one network to another, even across complex interconnected networks, by choosing routes based on metrics and periodically updated routing information from protocols like OSPF or BGP.

End-to-end encryption is handled by VPNs or encryption protocols, not by the router’s basic forwarding role. End-user authentication and user permissions are tasks for authentication servers, directories, or access-control policies, not the router’s primary function of routing.