What does the function of a router typically include?

The function of a router typically includes providing firewall protection, among other roles it plays in a network. Routers are designed to manage traffic between different networks, and a key aspect of that traffic management is security. Most modern routers have built-in firewall capabilities that help filter incoming and outgoing traffic, protecting the internal network from unauthorized access and potential threats from external sources. This firewall feature can block malicious traffic, enforce security policies, and provide a level of protection against attacks.

While routers also perform functions like connecting devices within a single network, converting signals, and monitoring network traffic, these tasks are secondary to their primary role of routing data between different networks and safeguarding that data through firewall protection. Therefore, emphasizing the router's capability to provide firewall protection accurately captures an essential aspect of its function in networking.