Western Governors University (WGU) ITEC2001 C182 Introduction to IT Practice Exam

The correct choice is based on the fundamental role protocols play in enabling communication between multiple computers. A protocol is a set of rules and standards that governs the way data is transmitted and received over a network. This includes specifying how messages are formatted, how errors are handled, and how devices identify each other on the network.

For example, protocols such as Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) and Internet Protocol (IP) are essential for the functioning of the internet, allowing diverse devices to exchange data seamlessly. Without these communication protocols, computers would not be able to understand each other, which is critical for activities such as browsing the web, sending emails, or any form of data exchange across networks.

While hardware is necessary for the physical transmission of data (like routers, switches, and cables), and software applications utilize these protocols to perform tasks, it is the protocol itself that specifically enables the communication layer required for computers to interact over a network. Similarly, a database stores data, but it does not inherently provide a mechanism for communication between computers.