> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://wiki.songer.pro/interviewing/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://wiki.songer.pro/interviewing/security-domains-and-technical-aptitude/network-security/networking/what-is-a-packet.md).

# What is a packet?

A packet is a unit of data sent over a network. It is the basic unit of information exchanged between two nodes in a network and contains the address of the sender and the receiver, as well as the data being sent. Packets are typically created by breaking down a larger message into smaller pieces that can be sent over the network and reassembled at their destination.