A network engineer is setting up a routed network where multiple routers need to operate together within an enterprise network. What is the primary purpose of a router operating at the network layer in this scenario?
To assign IP addresses to devices within the network.
To connect multiple network segments at different physical locations.
To act as a DHCP server distributing IP addresses on the network.
To determine the best path for data packet traversal across different networks based on IP addresses.
A router's primary purpose at the network layer is to determine the best path for data packets to travel from one network to another based on the destination IP address. This involves examining each packet's header, determining where to send it next, and forwarding it toward its destination. Routers create routing tables that list routes to various network destinations and use protocols such as OSPF or EIGRP to dynamically exchange route information with other routers, adapting to changes in the network. While connecting different network segments, assigning IP addresses, or acting as a DHCP server might be functions associated with routers or other devices, these are not its primary roles at the network layer.
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