Final answer:
A switch connects network devices and efficiently forwards data to specific recipients using MAC addresses, while a hub connects Ethernet devices and broadcasts packets to all ports. A router connects multiple networks and routes packets using IP addresses.
Step-by-step explanation:
When considering the devices that connect network components and manage data traffic effectively, we need to understand the specific functions of each device. Firstly, hubs are basic networking devices that connect multiple Ethernet devices together, functioning as a single segment. Hubs broadcast all incoming packets to all ports indiscriminately, which can lead to a lot of unnecessary traffic on the network. Switches, on the other hand, connect devices on a network and use MAC addresses to forward data only to the specific device intended, which greatly reduces network traffic and increases efficiency. Lastly, routers are used to connect multiple networks together and direct data packets to their destination across complex networks using IP addresses. In conclusion, a switch is the correct answer to connect network devices or different parts of a network and forward messages specifically, while a hub connects Ethernet devices and forwards packets to all connected devices.