Which device sends signals from a computer onto a network?
A) Router
B) Modem
C) Switch
D) Network Interface Card (NIC)
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is D) Network Interface Card (NIC).
Explanation:
A Network Interface Card (NIC) is the device that sends and receives signals from a computer onto a network. It serves as the physical interface between a computer and a network, allowing the computer to communicate with other devices across the network (local area network or LAN, or even the internet). The NIC is usually integrated into modern computers or can be installed as a separate expansion card. It converts the computer’s data into a format suitable for transmission over the network, such as Ethernet signals in wired connections or Wi-Fi signals in wireless connections.
Here’s a breakdown of the other options and why they are not correct in this context:
- Router: A router is a networking device that forwards data packets between different networks, such as between a local network and the internet. It determines the best path for data to travel across multiple networks. While a router plays a crucial role in network communication, it does not directly send signals from a computer onto a network. It rather routes data across networks.
- Modem: A modem (short for modulator-demodulator) is a device that converts digital data from a computer into analog signals for transmission over telephone lines or cable systems and vice versa. It allows internet access but doesn’t directly send signals from a computer onto a network. The modem establishes a connection to an internet service provider (ISP), but the NIC sends the signals from the computer to the network.
- Switch: A switch is a device that connects multiple devices within the same local area network (LAN) and forwards data packets between them based on MAC addresses. While a switch helps manage traffic within the network, it doesn’t send data signals from a computer to the network. It’s more of a device that directs signals to the correct destination within the local network.
Thus, the NIC is the device directly responsible for sending signals from a computer onto a network.