Which component of a network connects various devices such as printers and computers?

A switch is the component of a network responsible for connecting various devices, such as printers and computers, within a local area network (LAN). It operates at the data link layer (Layer 2) of the OSI model and directs data traffic between devices efficiently by using MAC addresses to forward data to the correct destination. This function allows for multiple devices to communicate within the same network without interfering with one another, enabling better performance and reduced collisions.

In contrast, a modem is primarily used to connect a network to the Internet by converting digital signals from a computer to analog signals for transmission over telephone lines or cable systems. A firewall functions as a security device that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules, rather than connecting devices directly. A server acts as a central resource for managing devices and providing services or data, but it does not connect devices in the same way that a switch does. Thus, a switch is specifically designed for the task of connecting various network devices together.