Final answer:
A network manager like Simone would differentiate between a router and a switch based on their functions: routers forward data between different networks, while switches manage traffic within the same network.
Step-by-step explanation:
Simone, as a network manager, would differentiate hardware components of a computer network based on their functions. Component A, which transfers data across different networks, likely refers to a router. Routers are designed to forward data packets between computer networks. They work on the network layer of the OSI model, which allows them to manage different IP networks and route traffic accordingly. The device that accepts data from one network device and forwards it to the correct destination within the same network is most likely a switch. Switches primarily operate on the data link layer and are responsible for the networking within a single local area network (LAN), using MAC addresses to manage traffic effectively.