Advanced Placement (AP) Computer Science

What role do routers play in the Internet?

1. They store data packets for later use

2. They serve as the primary servers for web hosting

3. They manipulate the data transmitted between applications

4. They route traffic between subnetworks on the Internet

The correct answer is: They route traffic between subnetworks on the Internet

Routers play a crucial role in managing how data flows across the Internet by routing traffic between different subnetworks. Their primary function is to analyze incoming data packets and determine the best path for them to travel to reach their destination. This means routers facilitate communication between devices connected to various network segments, ensuring efficient transmission and proper delivery of information. When a data packet is sent across the Internet, it may traverse multiple networks and routers to reach its endpoint. Each router examines the packet's destination address and uses routing tables to decide where to forward the packet next. This dynamic process enables the Internet to function as a highly interconnected web of networks. In contrast, storing data packets for later use refers to the role of devices such as buffers or storage systems, while primary servers for web hosting are responsible for serving content to users rather than routing data. Manipulating data transmitted between applications is more related to protocols and application-layer services rather than the fundamental operation of routers. Thus, the function of routing traffic between subnetworks clearly highlights the essential role routers have in facilitating proper communication across the vast architecture of the Internet.