What best describes the role of a routing table?

The routing table is a fundamental component of a router's functionality. Its primary role is to store information about the paths that data packets can take as they travel across networks. Each entry in the routing table provides the router with the necessary details to determine the most efficient route for forwarding packets to their destination. This includes information about network addresses, the next hop for each destination, and the metrics associated with those paths, which often reflect the cost or distance to reach a particular network.

This function is critical for ensuring that data is transmitted efficiently and correctly within and between networks, helping to maintain the overall performance and reliability of networking processes. By utilizing the routing table, routers can dynamically adapt to network changes, such as link failures or new routes becoming available, ensuring that the data can always find its way to its destination.