Which category in network software answers the request for data across the network?

The category in network software that answers the request for data across the network is the server. Servers are specialized computers or software systems that provide data, resources, or services to other computers, known as clients, over a network. When a client makes a request for information, the server processes that request and delivers the appropriate response, whether it be files, web pages, database queries, or any other type of data.

Servers are often designed to handle multiple requests simultaneously and ensure that data is accessible to various clients without interference. This client-server architecture is fundamental to most network communications, enabling efficient data sharing and communication.

In contrast, clients are the devices that initiate requests for data. A switch is a network device that connects multiple devices on a local area network (LAN) and forwards data packets based on MAC addresses but does not itself provide data. A node is a general term that refers to any device connected to a network, which can include servers, clients, switches, and any network-enabled device. Thus, the defining characteristic of a server is its role in actively responding to data requests from clients, making it the correct choice for this question.