What device acts as the central hub for mass storage in a network?

A server acts as the central hub for mass storage in a network primarily because it is designed to store, manage, and provide data to multiple users or devices. Servers typically have substantial storage capacity and can be configured with various storage solutions, including hard drives, solid-state drives, and external storage systems, allowing them to handle large amounts of data effectively.

In a networked environment, servers facilitate data management and sharing among connected devices, ensuring that users can access files and applications stored on the server from different locations. They also often include features such as backup and redundancy to protect data and ensure that it remains accessible even in the event of hardware failures.

Standalone PCs, while capable of storing data, do not serve the same centralized function in a network setting. Routers and network switches are primarily responsible for directing traffic within the network rather than providing storage solutions. Routers manage the passage of data between networks, while switches connect devices within the same network segment, without offering the mass storage capabilities found in a server.