Which device is primarily used to connect multiple computers within the same network?

The device primarily used to connect multiple computers within the same network is a switch. A switch operates at the data link layer (Layer 2) of the OSI model and is responsible for forwarding packets between devices on the same local area network (LAN). It intelligently manages data traffic by directing it only to the intended destination device, which helps to reduce collisions and improve overall network efficiency. This capability allows for better performance when multiple devices are communicating simultaneously.

While hubs can also connect multiple computers, they broadcast data to all ports without any intelligence to direct data specifically to the recipient, which can lead to unnecessary congestion on the network. A router, on the other hand, connects multiple networks together and is used mainly for directing traffic between different networks rather than within a single one. A bridge connects two separate networks but does not function at the same scale or efficiency as a switch when dealing with numerous devices within a single network. Thus, the switch is the most effective choice for connecting multiple computers within the same network.