A(n) ____________________ is an information block with a fixed maximum size that is transmitted through the network as a single unit.

A(n) data packet is an information block with a fixed maximum size that is transmitted through the network as a single unit. In networking, data packets serve as the fundamental unit of data transfer. Each packet contains not only the raw data but also essential metadata, such as the source and destination addresses, sequencing information, and error-checking data. This structure allows the network to efficiently manage and transmit information, ensuring that data can be correctly reassembled at its destination, despite the possibility of taking different paths through the network.

Data packets are typically generated by higher-level protocols in the OSI model, such as the transport layer protocols (like TCP or UDP), which dictate how packets are formed and handled. The fixed maximum size for packets helps standardize communication and minimize fragmentation, leading to more efficient network performance.