What primarily connects networks across a wider geographical area?

A router is primarily designed to connect multiple networks across a wider geographical area, such as between different local area networks (LANs) or to connect a LAN to the internet. Routers can manage traffic between various networks and determine the best path for data to travel, enabling communication over long distances. They perform functions such as packet forwarding, traffic management, and network addressing.

In contrast, switches operate within a single local network, facilitating communication between devices on that same network. They manage data traffic by directing packets to the appropriate device using MAC addresses, but they do not connect different networks together.

Hubs, while they can connect multiple devices, are less efficient than switches because they transmit incoming data packets to all connected devices rather than sending them to a specific destination. This can lead to unnecessary traffic and collisions.

Modems serve a different purpose altogether by modulating and demodulating signals for data transmission over telephone lines or cable systems. They enable connectivity to the internet but do not inherently manage or connect multiple networks in the way that routers do.

Thus, routers play a crucial role in extending connectivity and enabling communication over greater distances between diverse networking environments.