What is the primary function of a Network Interface Card (NIC)?

The primary function of a Network Interface Card (NIC) is to serve as an interface between the computer and the network. This critical component facilitates communication over a network by converting data into a format that can be transmitted over the network medium, such as Ethernet or Wi-Fi. The NIC handles the data packets being sent to and received from the network, ensuring they are properly formatted and transmitted to the right destination. It connects the computer to the physical network infrastructure and enables networking features such as sending and receiving data, managing connections, and establishing protocols for communication.

The other options refer to functionalities that are not associated with the primary role of a NIC. System memory management is handled by the motherboard and the CPU, not the NIC. Network security protocols are implemented through various software and hardware solutions, including firewalls and security applications, rather than being the main function of a NIC. Lastly, generating power for networking devices is also not a role of the NIC; instead, it typically relies on power supplied by the computer’s power supply or PoE (Power over Ethernet) if applicable.