Which device type is most appropriate for joining multiple network segments?

The most appropriate device for joining multiple network segments is a router. Routers operate at the network layer of the OSI model and are designed to connect different networks, routing data packets between them based on their IP addresses. They manage traffic between multiple network segments, ensuring that data sent from one network can reach another network efficiently.

Routers can connect dissimilar networks, such as linking a local area network (LAN) to a wide area network (WAN) or connecting various subnets within an organization. Additionally, routers often incorporate advanced features such as Network Address Translation (NAT), firewall capabilities, and virtual private network (VPN) support, making them ideal for managing and segmenting network traffic securely.

While switches and hubs function within a single network segment, they do not perform routing tasks between different networks. Switches operate at the data link layer and are used to connect devices within the same local area network, while hubs are basic devices that broadcast data to all ports without filtering or routing it. Access points, on the other hand, provide wireless connectivity to a network but do not inherently manage how different segments are interconnected. Thus, in the context of joining multiple network segments, a router is clearly the correct choice.