What is a key feature of routers in networking?

Routers play a crucial role in networking by managing data between different networks. This functionality allows routers to direct traffic from one network to another, enabling communication between devices that are located on different networks, which is essential for connecting disparate networks such as a local area network (LAN) and the internet.

This capability is primarily due to the router's ability to read and interpret IP addresses. When a data packet is sent from one device to another across different networks, the router examines the packet's destination IP address and determines the best path for it to take, ensuring that the data reaches the correct destination.

In contrast, other options highlight features that are not characteristic of routers. For instance, routers are not limited to managing only local traffic; in fact, their primary role is to route traffic over long distances between multiple networks. Additionally, routers operate at Layer 3 (the network layer) of the OSI model, which is distinct from Layer 2, where switches operate. Lastly, while providing electrical connectivity pertains to physical connections in networking, routers specifically focus on data routing and traffic management rather than mere connectivity.