Which device allows a computer to connect to a network?

A Network Interface Card (NIC) is the essential component that enables a computer to connect to a network. It serves as the interface between the computer and the network, allowing the computer to communicate with other devices on the same network or on different networks.

A NIC can be built into the motherboard of the computer or can be a separate card installed in an expansion slot. It is responsible for converting the data from the computer into a format suitable for transmission over the network, whether that network is wired, using Ethernet cable, or wireless, using Wi-Fi technology.

While other devices, such as routers, switches, and modems, play crucial roles in network connectivity and management, they serve different purposes. A router directs traffic between different networks, a switch connects multiple devices within the same network and controls data flow, and a modem connects a network to the internet. However, the NIC is fundamental for any computer to access and interact with a network directly.