Which type of device provides functions or services for clients?

A server is a specialized device that provides functions or services to client devices on a network. This could include file storage, web hosting, email management, database services, and other resources that clients can access remotely. Servers are designed to handle requests from clients, process them, and deliver appropriate responses, supporting various applications and services required in a network environment.

In contrast, hubs and switches serve different roles in a network. A hub is a basic networking device that connects multiple Ethernet devices, making them act as a single network segment by broadcasting data to all ports without any filtering or intelligence. A switch operates similarly but is more advanced than a hub, as it can intelligently forward data only to the intended recipient by using MAC addresses, thus improving efficiency and reducing unnecessary traffic. A client, on the other hand, is an endpoint device that requests and consumes services provided by servers but does not provide services itself.