Advanced Placement (AP) Computer Science

What are packets in the context of Internet communication?

1. Large files sent in one go

2. Units of data sent individually over the Internet

3. Encrypted messages only

4. Graphics files transmitted for faster loading

The correct answer is: Units of data sent individually over the Internet

In the context of Internet communication, packets refer to units of data that are sent individually over the Internet. This method of transmission allows for efficient and reliable communication. When information is sent over a network, it is broken down into smaller pieces, or packets, which can travel independently through the network. This fragmentation is crucial because it enables the system to route packets via various paths to their destination, where they can be reassembled in the correct order. Sending data as packets provides several advantages, including improved speed and error management. If a packet is lost or corrupted during transmission, only that specific packet needs to be resent rather than the entire file, which enhances the overall efficiency of data transfer. Additionally, this system allows the Internet to manage bandwidth and reduces congestion by dispersing packets across different routes. The other options describe forms of data transmission or types of files but do not capture the fundamental concept of packets in Internet communication. Packets are not restricted to large files, encryption, or particular file types like graphics, but rather represent a fundamental mechanism for data transmission across networks.