What is a primary characteristic of data transmission?

The primary characteristic of data transmission is that it transfers binary data. All digital communications ultimately involve the movement of binary data, which is represented in the form of 0s and 1s. This binary representation is fundamental to how computers process and transfer information, as all data—whether text, images, or sound—is converted into binary format for transmission.

In binary transmission, different voltages or signals can represent the 0s and 1s, allowing for efficient data transfer over various media such as cables or wireless networks. This characteristic is at the core of modern computing and communications, emphasizing the critical role of binary information in data transmission.

The other options, while they represent various ways data can be formatted or managed, do not encapsulate the essential aspect of how data is transferred across systems. They are not the foundational characteristic that defines data transmission.