What device is responsible for routing network traffic between different devices?

A router is the device responsible for routing network traffic between different devices. It acts as a traffic director, determining the best path for data packets to travel across networks. When different devices communicate over the Internet or within a local area network (LAN), routers manage the flow of information by forwarding data packets between these devices based on their IP addresses. This functionality helps ensure that data reaches its intended destination efficiently and accurately.

In contrast, switches connect devices within the same network, enabling them to communicate directly with one another but without directing traffic between different networks. Modems serve the purpose of connecting a network to the Internet by converting digital data from a computer into the analog signal required for transmission over telephone lines (or vice versa), but they do not manage traffic between multiple devices on a network. Access points provide wireless connectivity to a wired network, allowing devices to connect to the network over Wi-Fi, but they do not perform the routing functions required for managing different network segments.