According to the NIST cloud deployment reference architecture, which of the following provides connectivity and transport services to consumers?

Cloud connector is not a recognized role within the NIST cloud computing reference architecture.

A Cloud Broker manages the use, performance, and delivery of cloud services, acting as an intermediary between consumers and providers, but does not primarily provide transport services.

A Cloud Provider delivers the actual cloud services (e.g., IaaS, PaaS, SaaS) to consumers but relies on a Cloud Carrier for the underlying network connectivity and transport.

According to NIST Special Publication 800-145, the Cloud Carrier is an intermediary that provides connectivity and transport of cloud services from cloud providers to cloud consumers. This role is explicitly defined to handle the network infrastructure for cloud access.