Which device forwards data packets and determines their path through a network?

• A. Routers
• B. Switches
• C. Hubs
• D. Bridges

Answer: (A)

Forwarding data across different networks and choosing the path to the destination happens at the network layer, using destination addresses and routing information. That role is fulfilled by a router. It connects multiple networks, examines the IP header, consults routing tables (and uses routing protocols) to determine the best next hop, and forwards the packet toward its destination step by step.

Switches operate at the data link layer and forward frames based on MAC addresses within the same network or VLAN; they don’t determine routes between networks. Hubs are basic repeaters that broadcast incoming signals to all ports, with no awareness of addresses or paths. Bridges also work at Layer 2, learning MAC addresses to connect segments, but they don’t perform broad path selection across networks.