How does a network transmit data?

A network transmits data by utilizing standard protocols and formats that enable different devices to communicate efficiently over a common communications path. This approach allows devices to send and receive data in a consistent manner, ensuring that the information is properly understood and processed by all devices involved.

The use of standard formats facilitates interoperability among diverse systems, eliminating potential errors that could arise from inconsistent or proprietary data formats. By following these protocols, devices can coordinate their communications, thereby optimizing the transmission speed and reducing the chances of data loss.

In contrast, the other options suggest methods of data transmission that do not align with how modern networks operate. Manual data transfer methods are slow and prone to error compared to automated network protocols. Requiring each device to send data independently could lead to congestion and inefficiency, as it would not leverage the shared communication path effectively. Lastly, suggesting that data can only be transmitted through wired connections disregards the capabilities of wireless communication technologies, which are essential to modern networking.