FC0-U71 Infrastructure Practice Question
A technician is configuring a laptop for a user who frequently travels and needs to connect to both wired and wireless networks. The laptop has an RJ45 port and supports Wi-Fi 6. Which statement accurately describes the role of the network interface card (NIC) in this scenario?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is attributing higher-layer functions like IP address assignment or routing to the NIC, when it only handles physical and data link layer duties.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The NIC provides the physical and data link layer connection for both wired and wireless communication.
The NIC is responsible for the physical and data link layer functions, enabling the laptop to communicate over Ethernet and Wi-Fi. Modems convert digital to analog, DHCP servers assign IP addresses, and routers route packets between networks, so those roles belong to other devices.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
The NIC assigns IP addresses to other devices on the network.
Why it's wrong here
Assigning IP addresses is typically done by a DHCP server, not a NIC. A NIC receives an IP address for its own device; it does not distribute addresses to others. This is a common misconception about network device roles.
- ✗
The NIC converts digital signals to analog for transmission over the internet.
Why it's wrong here
Converting digital signals to analog is the function of a modem, not a NIC. A NIC handles digital communication on a local network. The laptop's NIC does not perform modulation or demodulation; that is done by external equipment like a cable or DSL modem.
- ✓
The NIC provides the physical and data link layer connection for both wired and wireless communication.
Why this is correct
The NIC operates at the physical and data link layers of the OSI model, handling the hardware interface for network communication. In this laptop, the Ethernet NIC and Wi-Fi adapter each provide these layers for their respective media. This allows the laptop to connect to wired and wireless networks.
- ✗
The NIC routes packets between different networks.
Why it's wrong here
Routing packets between networks is the job of a router, which operates at the network layer. A NIC works at lower layers and does not make routing decisions. The laptop's NIC simply sends and receives frames on the local network segment.
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Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official CompTIA exam blueprint
This FC0-U71 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the FC0-U71 exam.