What is the function of Internet Protocol in data transmission?

The function of Internet Protocol (IP) in data transmission is to divide files into smaller packets and route them across networks. IP operates at the network layer of the Internet protocol suite, ensuring that data can traverse various networks from the source to the destination efficiently.

When a file is transmitted over the internet, it is not sent as a single continuous stream. Instead, the data is segmented into packets, which allows for more manageable transmission and better error handling. Each packet includes important addressing information, which allows routers on the network to determine the best path for the data to reach its intended destination. Once all packets arrive, they can be reassembled into the original file or message. This packet-switching technique is critical for the scalability and reliability of modern data communication on the internet.

The other options refer to distinct processes or functions that are separate from the core responsibilities of the Internet Protocol. Encrypting data, securing transactions, and compressing files are handled by other protocols and methods that complement the data transmission process but do not fall under the primary function of IP.