Final answer:
The transmission characteristics of a Network Interface Card (NIC) are stored in the EEPROM (option B) , which is the electrically erasable programmable read-only memory that retains data even when power is removed.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student has asked which part of a Network Interface Card (NIC) holds the adapter's transmission characteristics. The correct answer is B. EEPROM.
EEPROM, which stands for Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory, is a type of non-volatile memory used in computers and other electronic devices to store small amounts of data that must be saved when power is removed, such as a network card's hardware settings or firmware. Transmission characteristics such as the MAC address and configuration parameters for the network interface are typically stored within this EEPROM.
Protocols, buffers, and firewalls are related to network operations but they do not store the physical adapter's transmission characteristics. A protocol defines the rules for data exchange, a buffer temporarily stores data during transfer, and a firewall is a network security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules. These components play different roles in network communication and operations.