What is the central location of a computer network commonly referred to as?

The central location of a computer network is commonly referred to as a network hub. A network hub serves as a connecting point for multiple devices in a network, allowing them to communicate with each other. It operates at the physical layer of the OSI model, simply forwarding data packets to all connected devices without filtering or processing the data, which is essential for enabling basic network connectivity.

In contrast, a network switch, while it also connects devices like a hub, operates at a higher layer and can intelligently direct data packets to specific devices based on their MAC addresses, making it more efficient. A network router manages traffic between different networks, directing data packets where they need to go, often incorporating more sophisticated functions such as assigning IP addresses. A network node, on the other hand, is a more general term that refers to any device on a network, including hubs, switches, routers, and end-user devices. Therefore, when focusing specifically on a central connecting point, the term network hub is the correct choice.