What device is responsible for routing packets between networks?

The device responsible for routing packets between networks is a router. Routers operate at the network layer of the OSI model and are specifically designed to forward data packets between different networks. They analyze the destination IP address of each packet and determine the most efficient path for it to reach its destination, which can be on a different network. This functionality allows routers to connect various types of networks, including local area networks (LAN) and wide area networks (WAN), managing traffic effectively across the internet.

In contrast, modems primarily convert digital data from a computer into analog signals for transmission over phone lines or cable systems, and vice versa, enabling internet connectivity. Switches, on the other hand, operate within a single local network to forward data to devices based on MAC addresses, allowing multiple devices on the same network to communicate efficiently. Hubs are basic networking devices that connect multiple Ethernet devices in a local area network but do not perform any packet routing or intelligent data forwarding. They simply broadcast data to all connected devices, making them less efficient and less smart than routers.