Final answer:
option a,A distance-vector protocol indeed sends updates that include the contents of its routing table to its neighbors, which is a true statement. NICs operate at both the physical and data link layers of the OSI model.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that a distance-vector protocol sends updates to its neighbors that include the contents of its routing table is true. Distance-vector protocols, like Routing Information Protocol (RIP), determine the best path to a network destination by sharing information with directly connected neighbors. Each router advertises its routing table to its neighbors, and this information is used to update their own tables, incorporating changes such as updated paths and possibly better routes. The process goes on until all routers in the network have a consistent view of the network topology.
Network Interface Cards (NICs) operate at the physical layer and the data link layer of the OSI model. Their primary function is to facilitate communication over a network by providing the physical connection to the network and by preparing data for transmission. The NIC translates the data from a form that can be processed by the computer to one that can be transmitted over the network cable, and vice versa.