How do hosts ensure that their packets are directed to the correct network destination?

Hosts ensure that their packets are directed to the correct network destination through the use of IP addresses and routing tables. When a host wants to send data, it encapsulates the packet with the destination IP address, which identifies the target device on the network. Routers then use their routing tables to determine the best path for the packet to reach its destination, forwarding it across interconnected networks until it arrives at the intended host. Additionally, protocols like ARP (Address Resolution Protocol) are used to resolve IP addresses to MAC addresses within local networks, ensuring correct delivery at the data link layer.