What connects independent networks by forwarding data between them?

A router plays a crucial role in networking by connecting independent networks and facilitating communication between them. It does this by forwarding data packets based on their destination IP addresses. Each network typically has its own range of IP addresses, and the router ensures that data meant for a specific network reaches its intended destination by determining the best path for the data to travel.

In contrast, a hub operates at a lower level by broadcasting data to all connected devices within the same network rather than selecting specific paths for data transfer. Similarly, a switch is designed to connect devices within the same local area network (LAN) and forward data only to the intended recipient within that LAN. A server, on the other hand, provides services and resources to other computers within a network but does not facilitate the interconnection of multiple networks. Therefore, the router is uniquely suited for connecting disparate networks efficiently.