What device is typically used to connect different networks together?

A router is specifically designed to connect different networks. It operates at the network layer of the OSI model and is responsible for routing data packets from one network to another. This includes directing traffic efficiently based on the destination IP address. Routers can also handle other functions such as network address translation (NAT), which allows multiple devices on a local network to access the internet using a single public IP address. This capability makes routers essential for both home and enterprise networks to connect to external networks, including the internet.

In contrast, hubs are basic devices that connect multiple Ethernet devices, but they do not perform any intelligent traffic directing or routing functions. A hub simply broadcasts incoming data packets to all its ports, which is not suitable for connecting different networks. Switches are more advanced than hubs and operate at the data link layer; they create separate collision domains for connected devices but do not provide the capabilities necessary to connect different IP networks. Firewalls mainly serve to filter traffic between networks for security purposes and do not inherently connect different networks; rather, they can be integrated into routers or operate separately to protect network boundaries.