What is the primary role of a surge protector in data networks?

The primary role of a surge protector in data networks is to prevent surge damage to equipment. Surge protectors are designed to absorb excess voltage that can occur during power surges, such as those caused by lightning strikes, power fluctuations, or electrical faults. By diverting or limiting this excess voltage, surge protectors safeguard sensitive electronic equipment, including servers, routers, switches, and other networking devices. This protection is crucial for ensuring the longevity and reliability of network components, as surge damage can lead to equipment failure, data loss, and costly repairs or replacements.

While other options may relate to aspects of networking, they do not align with the specific function of a surge protector, which is fundamentally aimed at preventing damage rather than improving connectivity, signal quality, or data speed.