Final answer:
Buffers for packet processing and the running configuration file are stored in the router's Random Access Memory (RAM), which is used for temporary storage during operation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The buffers for packet processing and the running configuration file in a router are temporarily stored in the router's Random Access Memory (RAM). When a router is powered on, its operating system is loaded into RAM, where it remains while the device is running. The RAM is also used for buffering packets as they are processed and routed to their destination. Therefore, the running configuration, which is the active configuration file being used by the router's operating system, is stored in RAM until it is saved to the Non-Volatile Random Access Memory (NVRAM), which preserves the configuration even when the router is turned off or restarted. The Flash memory stores the router's operating system and other system files while Read-Only Memory (ROM) contains the bootstrap program and basic operating software.