A network interface is typically composed of a network interface card and what additional component?

A network interface is fundamentally comprised of a network interface card (NIC) and a device driver. The NIC is the hardware component that allows a device to connect to a network, utilizing a specific protocol. The device driver, on the other hand, is the software program that facilitates communication between the operating system and the network interface card. It translates the operating system commands into a format that the NIC can understand, and it interprets incoming signals from the network into information that the operating system can process.

The role of the device driver is crucial because without it, the hardware would not be able to function properly within the operating system, rendering the connectivity useless. The interaction between the NIC and the device driver allows for seamless data transmission and reception over the network.

Other components listed, such as a network switch, an access point, and a firewall, serve different purposes in a network. A network switch is used to connect multiple devices within the same network to facilitate communication between them. An access point allows wireless devices to connect to a wired network. A firewall is a security device that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules. While these components are essential in the context of networking, they do not directly complement the network interface card in the