What do we call data that is broken down into bits for transmission through a network?

Data that is broken down into bits for transmission through a network is referred to as packets. In the context of networking, packets are fundamental units of data that are formatted for the transfer across networks. Each packet contains not only the data being transmitted but also the necessary information required for routing and reassembly at the destination, such as source and destination addresses, as well as error checking and sequencing information.

When data is sent over a network, it must be divided into these manageable pieces to ensure efficient and reliable transmission. This way, if any packet is lost or corrupted during transit, only that specific packet needs to be resent rather than the entire dataset. The ability to send data in packets is what allows networks to handle large volumes of information smoothly and maintain a steady flow of data.

In contrast, other options do not accurately describe this process. Memory refers to storage space for data on devices, binary relates to the fundamental numbering system used in computing, and pages might refer to units of information in textual formats rather than data in transit. Therefore, packets are the correct term for describing how data is structured for transportation in networking.