Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The objective is to map various network devices to their core functions in network communication.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us match each network component with its description:
• Modem (A): Short for Modulator-Demodulator. It is an hardware component that converts computer-generated digital signals into analog signals (for telephone/cable lines) and vice-versa, i.e., conversion between electrical/analog waves and digital bits. This matches with II.
• Ethernet card (B): Also known as a Network Interface Card (NIC), it is an essential wired hardware network adapter used to establish a physical connection to a local area network (LAN). This matches with IV.
• Repeater (C): A physical-layer device designed to regenerate weakened electrical or optical signals due to attenuation over long-distance cable runs. This matches with I.
• Router (D): An intelligent network layer device that analyses packets, determines optimal paths, and forwards data packets across interconnected networks. This matches with III.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The matching is A-II, B-IV, C-I, D-III, which represents option (A).