A NIC is a device used for?

The correct answer focuses on the role of a Network Interface Card (NIC) as a vital component within computer networking. A NIC is primarily responsible for enabling and managing the communication between a computer and a network. This includes tasks such as handling the transmission and reception of data over the network and ensuring that data packets are appropriately formatted for network communication.

Signaling, in the context of networking, refers to how data is sent across the physical medium, and the NIC plays a crucial part in this process. It converts the digital data from a computer into signals that can be transmitted over various types of network media (like Ethernet cables or wireless signals) and vice versa. Therefore, the NIC's capability to handle signaling makes it essential for establishing and maintaining network connections.

Data storage, processing, and external connections are functions typically associated with other types of hardware. While a computer may rely on external storage devices and processors for their respective functions, the NIC's primary role is centered around network signaling and communication, establishing it as a critical element in networking environments.