What is a socket in networking?

• A. A specific type of networking cable
• B. An endpoint for network communication identified by an IP address and port number
• C. A network device that handles routing
• D. The graphical interface for system connections

Answer: (B)

A socket in networking is an endpoint for network communication that is identified by a combination of an IP address and a port number. This definition captures the fundamental role of sockets in facilitating connections between client and server applications.

When data is communicated over a network, the socket serves as the point at which this data is sent or received. The IP address specifies the device on the network, while the port number identifies the specific application or service on that device. This dual identification is crucial because multiple services can run on a single device, and sockets enable these services to be uniquely addressed.

In practical terms, when an application wants to communicate over a network, it creates a socket and binds it to a specific port number. This forms a unique address for incoming and outgoing messages, allowing for organized data exchange among different applications and devices on a network.

Understanding this concept is essential for grasping how networks operate and how different systems interact over them.