What is the primary function of the Internet Protocol (IP)?

The primary function of the Internet Protocol (IP) is to handle the routing and addressing of packets. IP is essential for communication over the internet because it breaks data into smaller packets, assigns them unique addresses, and determines the most efficient routes for these packets to travel from the source to the destination across different networks. This ensures that data can be efficiently delivered to the correct location.

Routing involves directing the packets through various intermediary devices, such as routers, and addressing ensures each packet arrives accurately at the intended recipient’s network interface. Without IP, there would be no systematic way to send and receive information across the vast network of interconnected devices that form the internet.

Other options like managing network security, storing data remotely, or facilitating wireless connections do not encapsulate the core responsibilities of IP, which specifically relates to packet handling and addressing.