What is the primary role of a router within a network?

The primary role of a router within a network is to transmit data between networks. Routers are devices that connect multiple networks together, directing data packets from one network to another based on their destination IP addresses. This functionality allows devices on different networks to communicate, enabling access to the internet or connecting various local area networks (LANs).

When data is sent from one device on a network to another device on a different network, the router examines the destination address of the data packets and determines the best route for them to reach their destination. This process often involves looking up routing tables and potentially communicating with other routers to ensure efficient data transmission.

The other options, while related to network functionality, do not accurately capture the primary role of a router. Instead, they pertain to different aspects of network management and configuration. For instance, the connection of devices in a LAN is primarily handled by network switches, while IP address management typically falls under the purview of a DHCP server. Additionally, while some routers do have firewall capabilities, acting as a firewall is not their core function.