What is the role of a router in a network?

A router serves a fundamental role in networking by connecting and forwarding packets between different networks. It determines the best path for data to travel based on various routing protocols and algorithms, ensuring that information is delivered efficiently from the source to the destination across interconnected networks. This function is vital for facilitating communication between multiple devices and systems, especially when they are on distinct networks, such as a home network connecting to the internet.

The other options depict different functions that are not the primary responsibility of a router. For example, the role of a switch for local devices involves connecting devices within the same local area network (LAN), which is distinct from the router's purpose of interconnecting different networks. Monitoring bandwidth usage is usually handled by network management tools or specialized devices rather than by routers themselves. Encryption of network data is typically a function of security protocols and devices that safeguard data transmission rather than a core role of routers. Thus, the option detailing the router's capacity to connect and forward packets accurately captures its essential function within network infrastructures.