Which of the following is the name for all computers connected to a network that participate directly in network communication?

The term used to describe all computers connected to a network that participate directly in network communication is "host." In networking terminology, a host refers to any device that can send or receive data on a network. This includes computers, servers, smartphones, and other devices that have an IP address and can facilitate communication over a network.

Hosts play a crucial role in the functionality of a network, as they send and receive information, allowing for the exchange of data and resources. They can be distinguished from other network components, such as routers and switches, which primarily serve to manage and direct network traffic rather than to actively send or receive communications themselves.

While nodes is another term often used in networking that can refer generally to any device on a network, including hosts, switches, and routers, it does not specifically identify the devices that engage directly in communication. Routers and switches manage traffic and help direct packets but do not interact with the network in the same capacity as a host, which is fundamental for establishing communication in a network environment.