Digital Audio Network Through Ethernet (DANTE) Level 1 Practice Exam

The network switch is considered the ideal connector for computers and servers on a single LAN due to its ability to intelligently direct data traffic within the network. Unlike a hub, which broadcasts incoming data packets to all connected devices, a switch can identify the specific device for each packet and only send the data to that intended recipient. This reduces unnecessary traffic on the network and increases overall efficiency, leading to better performance especially in environments with multiple devices communicating simultaneously.

Additionally, switches operate at Layer 2 of the OSI model, using MAC addresses to make forwarding decisions. This means they can handle a high volume of data transmission with minimal delays, and many switches offer features like VLAN support and Quality of Service (QoS) settings, providing greater control over data flow.

In contrast, a router is designed to connect different networks and manage traffic between them rather than facilitating communication within a local network. An access point is primarily used to extend a wireless network and provide connectivity to wireless devices, which makes it less suited for a wired LAN environment. Therefore, for a local area network that connects computers and servers, a network switch is the most effective and optimized solution.