define the router?

A router is a networking device that forwards data packets between computer networks. It operates at the network layer (layer 3) of the OSI model and uses routing tables to determine the best path for data to take through the network. Routers are commonly used in home and business networks to connect multiple devices and facilitate communication between them. They can be either wired or wireless and typically include a number of ports for connecting devices via Ethernet cables. In addition to forwarding data packets, routers also provide other features such as network address translation (NAT), which allows devices on a private network to access the internet using a single public IP address, and firewall protection to prevent unauthorized access to the network. Overall, routers play a critical role in enabling the communication and transfer of data between devices on a network.