What is the purpose of routing tables?

The purpose of routing tables is to direct data packets along the most efficient path within a network. Routing tables are crucial for routers as they contain information about the network routes, including the destination addresses and the next hop for packets. When a data packet is received, the router consults its routing table to determine the best route for forwarding the packet towards its final destination. This process is vital for optimizing network performance and ensuring quick delivery of information across diverse and complex networks. Efficient routing minimizes latency and congestion, ultimately enhancing the overall speed and reliability of data transmission.

The other options do not relate to the primary function of routing tables. Storing user authentication details pertains to security measures, monitoring network performance involves tracking the status and health of a network, and handling file compression is a function relevant to data storage and transmission but not routing.