CompTIA ITF+ Practice Test 2026 - Free CompTIA ITF+ Practice Questions and Study Guide

The primary function of a router is to connect different networks together. Routers are devices that manage traffic between multiple networks, allowing devices on one network to communicate with devices on another. This is essential for accessing the internet, as routers route data packets between your local network and other networks, including the expansive network of the internet.

Routers operate by utilizing routing tables, which help determine the most efficient path for data to travel. They can connect different types of networks, such as a home network to an internet service provider's (ISP) network, facilitating communication between devices across these networks. Routers also govern data traffic to ensure that packets reach their destination effectively and are essential for network infrastructure.

The other options play distinct roles within a network but do not encompass the primary purpose of a router. For example, a firewall primarily serves as a security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules, while boosting wireless signals is typically a function of a wireless access point or a range extender. Temporary data storage is the role of RAM or caching devices and is not a function associated directly with routers.