What does a network packet do?

What does a network packet do?

• A. It organizes files into a database
• B. It is a formatted unit of data carried by a packet-switched network
• C. It generates reports on network usage
• D. It scans for viruses in transmitted files

Answer: (B)

A network packet is best defined as a formatted unit of data that is transmitted over a packet-switched network. In such networks, data is divided into smaller packets to facilitate more efficient routing and transmission across the network. Each packet contains both the data being sent and addressing information (such as the source and destination IP addresses) that allows it to reach its desired endpoint. This division into packets improves the reliability and speed of data transmission; if one packet is lost or corrupted during transmission, only that packet needs to be resent rather than the entire data set. The packet-switched nature of this communication allows multiple transmissions to occur simultaneously across a network, optimizing available bandwidth. The other options do not accurately describe the function of a network packet. Organizing files into a database pertains to data management systems, generating reports on network usage relates to network monitoring tools, and scanning for viruses involves security measures rather than the fundamental role of packets in data transmission.

A network packet is best defined as a formatted unit of data that is transmitted over a packet-switched network. In such networks, data is divided into smaller packets to facilitate more efficient routing and transmission across the network. Each packet contains both the data being sent and addressing information (such as the source and destination IP addresses) that allows it to reach its desired endpoint.

This division into packets improves the reliability and speed of data transmission; if one packet is lost or corrupted during transmission, only that packet needs to be resent rather than the entire data set. The packet-switched nature of this communication allows multiple transmissions to occur simultaneously across a network, optimizing available bandwidth.

The other options do not accurately describe the function of a network packet. Organizing files into a database pertains to data management systems, generating reports on network usage relates to network monitoring tools, and scanning for viruses involves security measures rather than the fundamental role of packets in data transmission.