Which type of adapter card is used to connect a computer to a network via a network cable?

The correct answer is the Network Interface Card (NIC). A NIC is specifically designed to enable a computer to connect to a network, whether that be a local area network (LAN) or a larger network such as the internet. It serves as the interface through which a computer communicates with other computers or devices on the network. NICs typically have ports for network cables, such as Ethernet cables, allowing for robust wired connections.

In contrast, a modem adapter is primarily used to connect a computer to the internet via a telephone line or cable, serving a different function than a NIC. A capture card, on the other hand, is used for capturing video and is not related to networking, while a USB device can offer various functions but does not inherently connect a computer to a network unless it is a specialized USB NIC. Thus, the NIC is the specific hardware required for establishing direct network connectivity via a cable.