What device connects network segments and forwards IP packets to their appropriate destination?

A router is designed specifically to connect different network segments and facilitate the forwarding of IP packets to their appropriate destinations. It operates at the network layer of the OSI model and is responsible for determining the best path for data packets based on their destination IP addresses. Routers can connect multiple networks, including local area networks (LANs) and wide area networks (WANs), and utilize routing tables and protocols to make intelligent forwarding decisions.

In contrast, a switch primarily operates at the data link layer and is responsible for connecting devices within the same local network segment, using MAC addresses to forward frames. Bridges also operate at the data link layer, connecting two or more network segments to make them function as a single network. Hubs, on the other hand, are basic devices that connect multiple Ethernet devices in a single network segment by broadcasting incoming data packets to all ports, without any filtering or forwarding intelligence. Hence, while the other devices play important roles in networking, it is the router that specifically connects different networks and directs traffic based on IP addresses.