What is the function of a network router?

The function of a network router is primarily to connect different networks and direct data packets between them. Routers analyze the destination address of data packets and determine the optimal path for the packets to take to reach their destination, which can be another device on the same local network or a device on a different network altogether. This is essential for enabling communication over the Internet, as routers manage how data travels across various interconnected networks, ensuring that it is sent efficiently and reaches the correct endpoint.

In contrast, while providing wireless internet access is a feature that some routers include (often referred to as wireless routers), it does not capture the full scope of a router's primary function. Amplifying network signals is typically a role undertaken by repeaters or signal boosters rather than routers. Additionally, routers do not store network data; that function is usually assigned to servers or dedicated storage devices within a network. Overall, the essence of a router’s role as a device that manages traffic between different networks is captured by the correct answer.