Final answer:
A device that connects networks and directs data packets based on IP addresses is called a router. Therefore correct option is a) Router.
Step-by-step explanation:
A device usually found on the edge of the LAN domain that can connect LANs to each other, or to connect a LAN to a WAN, and uses the destination IP address of a data packet to determine where the packet should be delivered, is known as a router.
The primary function of a router is to forward data packets between computer networks. Routers operate at the network layer of the OSI model and make decisions based on IP addresses. They are essential for directing traffic on the internet, ensuring data packets find the most efficient path to their final destination.
A router is a vital networking device positioned at the edge of a Local Area Network (LAN) or within the LAN-to-Wide Area Network (WAN) domain. It serves to interconnect multiple LANs or link a LAN to a broader network, such as the internet.
Operating at the network layer of the OSI model, routers employ destination IP addresses in data packets to make intelligent forwarding decisions, determining the optimal path for packet delivery. This facilitates efficient data routing between networks.
Routers play a pivotal role in directing traffic, ensuring connectivity, and enabling seamless communication across different network segments, making them fundamental components in modern networking infrastructure.
Therefore correct option is a) Router.