What does router do in a network?Forwards a packet to the next free outgoing linkForwards a packet to all outgoing linksForwards a packet to all outgoing links except the originated linkDetermines on which outgoing link a packet is to be forwarded

A router in a network primarily performs the function of determining on which outgoing link a packet is to be forwarded. It does this based on the routing table it maintains. The routing table contains information about the IP addresses of the devices on the network and the best way to reach them.

Here are the steps a router takes:

1. The router receives an incoming data packet.
2. It examines the destination IP address of the packet.
3. It looks up the destination IP address in its routing table.
4. Based on the information in the routing table, it determines the best outgoing link (or path) for the packet.
5. It then forwards the packet to the next router along this path, or directly to the destination device if it is on the same network.

So, the router does not forward a packet to the next free outgoing link, or to all outgoing links, or to all outgoing links except the originated link. It makes a decision based on the routing table and forwards the packet to the most appropriate outgoing link.

A router in a network performs the following functions:

1. Forwards a packet to the next free outgoing link: A router is responsible for directing network traffic efficiently. When a data packet comes in, the router must decide which way to forward the packet based on its understanding of the current status of its outgoing links. It chooses the link that is free or less congested to ensure efficient data transmission.

2. Forwards a packet to all outgoing links: This is typically not the case for a router. This behavior is more characteristic of a network switch or hub, which broadcasts the received data packet to all of its outgoing links.

3. Forwards a packet to all outgoing links except the originated link: This is also not typically the case for a router. A router uses routing tables and protocols to determine the best path for forwarding the packets, and it does not usually involve sending the packet out on all links.

4. Determines on which outgoing link a packet is to be forwarded: This is one of the primary functions of a router. It uses routing tables and protocols to determine the most efficient path for each packet, then sends the packet on its way.

In summary, a router primarily determines on which outgoing link a packet is to be forwarded and forwards a packet to the next free outgoing link. It does not typically forward a packet to all outgoing links or all outgoing links except the originated link.