What technology uses Ethernet standards to transmit and receive frames on the network?

The correct choice demonstrates that a virtual network interface operates using Ethernet standards for transmitting and receiving data frames within a network. Virtual network interfaces, commonly utilized in virtual machines and network virtualization, mimic physical network interfaces and effectively handle network traffic by employing Ethernet protocols. This allows them to communicate over a local area network or even across larger network infrastructures, making them integral to connecting virtualized systems to physical networks.

In contrast, the other options do not operate on Ethernet standards. A virtual firewall acts as a security layer but is not concerned with the actual transmission of frames. A smart card reader is a peripheral used for reading smart cards and does not have any direct relationship with network frame transmission. A barcode reader’s function is limited to the scanning of barcodes for data retrieval and inventory but does not engage in the processes related to network communications using Ethernet standards.