What piece of network hardware is designed to pass information between multiple networks?
Select one:
a.
A network card
b.
A hub
c.
A switch
d.
A router
d. A router
The correct answer is:
d. A router
A router is a piece of network hardware specifically designed to pass information between multiple networks. It determines the most efficient path for data packets to travel from one network to another. Routers use routing tables and protocols to make these decisions, ensuring that data is delivered correctly and efficiently across different networks.
The correct answer is d. A router.
To arrive at this answer, it is helpful to understand the functions of each network hardware option.
a. A network card, also known as a network interface card (NIC), is a piece of hardware installed on a computer or device that allows it to connect to a network. It enables the device to send and receive data over the network but does not specifically focus on passing information between multiple networks.
b. A hub is a network device that is used to connect multiple devices within a single network. However, it does not have the capability to pass information between multiple networks. When data is sent to a hub, it will broadcast it to every device connected to it, which can lead to network congestion and diminished efficiency.
c. A switch, on the other hand, is a network device that is used to connect multiple devices within a single network as well. However, unlike a hub, a switch is more intelligent. It examines the data packets it receives and forwards them specifically to the appropriate destination device. While a switch can manage internal communication within a network, it is not designed to pass information between multiple networks.
d. A router is a networking device that is specifically designed to connect multiple networks and route data between them. It operates at the network layer (Layer 3) of the OSI model, making forwarding decisions based on IP addresses. A router learns about different networks through routing tables and determines the best path for data transmission. It plays a crucial role in connecting various networks, including local area networks (LANs) and wide area networks (WANs), and ensures that information can flow between them efficiently.
Therefore, the correct answer is d. A router.