Which device determines the next network point to which a packet should be forwarded?

The correct choice is a router, as it plays a crucial role in determining the best next hop for data packets traveling across networks. Routers examine the destination IP address in the packet's header and use routing tables to decide where to send it next. They can connect multiple networks and rely on various protocols to manage traffic efficiently, making them essential for directing data from one network to another.

In contrast, switches operate primarily within a single local area network (LAN) by using MAC addresses to forward frames to the correct devices on that network. Modems serve to modulate and demodulate signals between digital data and analog communication lines, essentially interfacing between your home network and the internet but not determining packet routing. Hubs are basic networking devices that broadcast incoming packets to all ports in the network without the intelligence to selectively forward packets based on their intended destination. Therefore, routers are specifically designed to manage the complexities of network traffic and packet forwarding across different networks, distinguishing them from these other devices.