What is the primary purpose of a router in a network?

The primary purpose of a router in a network is to direct data packets between different networks. This involves determining the best path for data to travel as it moves through various interconnected networks, which can include both local area networks (LANs) and wide area networks (WANs). Routers use routing tables and protocols to analyze packet destinations and make forwarding decisions, ensuring efficient communication between diverse network segments.

While some of the other options might relate to networking concepts, they don't capture the essential role of a router. For instance, connecting multiple devices on the same local network is typically handled by switches rather than routers. Transmitting data on the same network segment is a function of network switches as well, focusing on local traffic instead of inter-network communication. Enhancing signal strength refers more to repeaters or amplifiers, which do not perform routing functions. Therefore, directing data packets between different networks encapsulates the core responsibility of a router in managing and facilitating network traffic across various domains.