What kind of device is typically described as providing data to another device?

A server is typically described as providing data to another device because its primary function is to process requests from client devices and deliver the appropriate information or services. Servers host applications, store files, and manage resources, making them essential components in network architectures.

For example, when a client device, such as a computer or smartphone, requests a webpage, it sends a request to a web server. The web server processes that request and then responds by sending back the necessary data (like the HTML content of the webpage) to the client's browser. This request-response model is foundational to client-server architecture, emphasizing the server's role in supplying data.

In contrast, although routers and switches play critical roles in networking, they function differently. Routers direct data packets between different networks, while switches connect devices within the same local network, facilitating communication. However, neither typically provides data in the same manner as a server does.