Which of the following devices is used to connect computers in a Local Area Network (LAN)?

In a Local Area Network (LAN), a hub is a device that connects multiple computers and other networked devices, allowing them to communicate with one another. Hubs operate at the physical layer of the OSI model and function by receiving data packets from one device and broadcasting them to all other connected devices on the network. This means that when one computer sends a message, the hub sends it out to all devices, which can lead to data collisions in busy networks.

While routers, switches, and modems also play important roles in networking, they serve different functions. A router connects multiple networks and directs data traffic between them, operating at a higher level (network layer). A switch, which is similar to a hub but more advanced, connects devices within a LAN and intelligently directs data packets to specific devices rather than broadcasting them to all, reducing collisions and improving efficiency. A modem, on the other hand, is used to modulate and demodulate signals for internet access, connecting a LAN to an external network, typically the internet.

Thus, within a LAN context, the hub is specifically designed to connect multiple devices but is considered outdated in favor of more efficient devices such as switches.