alleryStart learning →The role of a ROUTER (in the IP layer) is to
Aforward datagrams between networks by IP
Btranslate domain names to addresses
Cboot diskless workstations remotely
Dencrypt all user data in transit
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: A. forward datagrams between networks by IP
1. A router operates at the NETWORK (IP) LAYER. It has interfaces on multiple networks.
2. When a datagram arrives, the router examines the DESTINATION IP, consults its ROUTING TABLE, and forwards the datagram out the appropriate interface toward the next hop.
3. Routers DECREMENT the TTL (Time To Live) field. If TTL reaches 0, the datagram is dropped (preventing infinite loops).
4. Option B is DNS. Option C is BOOTP/DHCP/PXE. Option D is IPsec/TLS.
_Source: RFC 1180 "A TCP/IP Tutorial", §2 + §5 (TCP/IP Overview + IP Routing)._
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