Which device forwards data between networks based on IP addressing?

Which device forwards data between networks based on IP addressing?

• A. Switch
• B. Router
• C. Hub
• D. Bridge

Answer: (B)

Forwarding data between networks based on IP addressing is the function of a router. The router operates at the network layer and makes decisions using the destination IP address in each packet, consulting its routing table to determine the next hop toward the destination. This enables inter-network communication, such as connecting a local LAN to other networks or the Internet, and it can adapt routes with routing protocols to find the best paths. Switches, on the other hand, work within a single local network and forward frames based on MAC addresses. A hub simply broadcasts incoming signals to all ports, without any decision-making. A bridge connects network segments but also uses MAC addresses at the data-link layer to filter traffic, not IP routing. Hence, only the router handles forwarding between networks using IP addressing.

Forwarding data between networks based on IP addressing is the function of a router. The router operates at the network layer and makes decisions using the destination IP address in each packet, consulting its routing table to determine the next hop toward the destination. This enables inter-network communication, such as connecting a local LAN to other networks or the Internet, and it can adapt routes with routing protocols to find the best paths.

Switches, on the other hand, work within a single local network and forward frames based on MAC addresses. A hub simply broadcasts incoming signals to all ports, without any decision-making. A bridge connects network segments but also uses MAC addresses at the data-link layer to filter traffic, not IP routing. Hence, only the router handles forwarding between networks using IP addressing.