What type of device connects multiple computers and directs network traffic?

The correct answer is a device that connects multiple computers and directs network traffic is a switch.

A switch operates at the data link layer of the OSI model and is designed to manage the flow of data packets between devices on the same local area network (LAN). It does this by using MAC addresses to forward data only to the intended destination, thereby minimizing unnecessary traffic on the network. This makes switches more efficient than other devices like hubs, which simply broadcast incoming data to all ports without regard for the intended recipient.

While routers do manage traffic, they serve a different function, primarily connecting multiple networks together and directing data between them, often across the internet. Their main role is at the network layer, making decisions based on IP addresses rather than MAC addresses. This distinction is crucial, as the question specifically pertains to connecting multiple computers within a single network rather than between different networks.

Hubs, on the other hand, are basic devices that connect multiple Ethernet devices. They operate by broadcasting incoming data packets to all connected devices in the network, which can lead to increased collisions and a larger overall volume of traffic. In contrast to switches, hubs do not have the capability to intelligently direct traffic.

Modems are used to connect a network to the internet, translating