Which statements are true about routers?

A router indeed utilizes network protocols to help determine where to send data packets. This is based on the router's ability to read the destination IP address contained within the packet. By employing various protocols—such as Internet Protocol (IP) and routing protocols like Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) or Open Shortest Path First (OSPF)—the router can make informed decisions about the best path for the data to travel through the network. This decision-making process is crucial because it ensures that data efficiently reaches its destination, even if it has to traverse multiple networks or devices along the way.

The other options provide inaccuracies regarding the functionality of routers. While the statement about routers connecting devices and directing network traffic touches on an essential aspect of their operation, the assertion that a router can only send data to another computer on the same network is incorrect, as routers facilitate communication between different networks. Similarly, describing a router merely as a set of components lacks the specificity needed to capture its function in managing and directing data traffic effectively.