Which device connects various networks together and provides alternate routes for data packets?

The device that connects various networks together and provides alternate routes for data packets is a router. Routers operate at the network layer of the OSI model and are critically important for directing data traffic between different networks. They analyze the destination IP address of data packets, determining the best path for the packets to take to reach their destination.

Routers also function by maintaining a routing table, which helps the router make dynamic decisions about how to forward packets based on current network conditions or configurations. This capability to find alternate routes ensures that data can still be transmitted even if one path experiences congestion or failure, significantly enhancing data reliability and network efficiency.

In contrast, a bridge connects two or more network segments at the data link layer, primarily focusing on filtering traffic and reducing collisions within a single network. A switch, while also operating at the data link layer, connects devices within a LAN and makes decisions about data packets based on MAC addresses, but does not manage traffic between different networks. An access point serves as a gateway for wireless devices to connect to a wired network but does not inherently route traffic between different networks. Thus, the unique routing capability of a router makes it the correct choice for this question.