What device forwards data packets between computer networks?

A router is the device that forwards data packets between computer networks. It functions by examining the destination IP address of each data packet and determining the best path for it to reach its destination. Routers operate at the network layer of the OSI model and are essential for enabling communication between different networks, such as connecting a local network to the internet. They use routing tables and protocols to make intelligent decisions about the paths that data should take, allowing for efficient and effective data transfer.

In contrast, access points primarily act as a bridge between wired and wireless networks but do not route data between multiple networks. Hubs operate at the physical layer and merely broadcast data packets to all connected devices within the same network segment, without making any decisions about packet forwarding. Bridges, while they can connect different segments of a network, do not forward packets between distinct networks in the manner that routers do. Hence, the router uniquely stands out for its role in inter-network communication, justifying it as the correct answer.