What type of data does the Internet Protocol (IP) primarily manage?

The Internet Protocol (IP) primarily manages packets of data for transmission across networks. IP is a fundamental protocol within the Internet Protocol Suite, responsible for addressing and routing packets in order to ensure they reach their correct destination over interconnected networks. IP packets contain both the source and destination IP addresses, which are essential for routing the data through various devices, like routers, across the internet or any network.

This functionality allows for the encapsulation of various types of data—such as web pages, images, and emails—into manageable packets that can be sent independently and reassembled at their destination, facilitating efficient and effective communication across diverse network environments.

While video data and streaming applications, encryption keys, and large file transfers may utilize IP, they are not the core focus of what IP itself manages. Instead, those activities rely on IP’s ability to facilitate the movement of data packets.