What do network protocols govern?

The correct answer emphasizes that network protocols are essentially the set of rules that dictate how data is transmitted and received over a network. These protocols ensure that devices can communicate with each other regardless of their underlying hardware or software configurations. For example, protocols like TCP/IP specify how to establish connections, how to format packets of data, and how to manage errors in communication, enabling seamless interactions between computers and other devices.

While options discussing the physical layout of networking hardware, the types of software used for data storage, and security measures for data transmission are also important aspects of networking, they do not directly relate to the core function of protocols. The physical layout pertains to the arrangement of devices and cables, software types are concerned with data management rather than transmission, and security measures focus on protecting data rather than governing how it is shared. Therefore, the role of network protocols is specifically about the rules for communication within a network.