Final answer:
The correct utility is 'ping,' which tests the reachability of a host on an IP network, verifying network communication.
Step-by-step explanation:
The utility used to verify that TCP/IP is installed, bound to the NIC, configured correctly, and is communicating with the network is c. ping. The ping command is a diagnostic tool that sends ICMP packets to a host and listens for replies. It measures the round-trip time for messages sent from the originating host to a destination computer.
If you receive replies, it means the network is reachable. This tool does not, however, verify the TCP/IP configuration details or the binding to the NIC directly - such tasks are better accomplished with the ipconfig or ifconfig command on Windows or UNIX/Linux systems, respectively.