Which of the following accurately defines 'packets' in networking?

Packets are fundamental units of data that are transmitted over a network. They are not just random bits of information; packets contain both the actual data being communicated and important routing information that helps devices on the network know where to send the data and how to reassemble it when it reaches its destination. This encapsulation allows for efficient and reliable communication between different devices connected to a network, making it easier to manage and route traffic effectively.

The other options do not accurately capture the essence of what packets are. For instance, describing packets as large chunks of information misses the point that packets are typically much smaller, often limited in size to ensure efficient transmission. Additionally, stating that packets are hardware components of a router is misleading, as packets are data units, while hardware refers to the physical components that facilitate networking. Finally, characterizing packets as types of network protocols overlooks the fact that protocols govern how packets are handled but do not define the packets themselves. Thus, the definition of packets as units of data with routing information is both accurate and crucial for understanding networking fundamentals.