What is the definition of an octet in networking?

An octet in networking is defined as a group of eight bits. This term is commonly used when referring to data transmission and networking protocols, particularly in the context of Internet Protocol (IP) addressing. Each octet represents a part of a binary number that can express values from 0 to 255. In IP addressing, for example, an IPv4 address is typically represented in a decimal format consisting of four octets, separated by periods, such as 192.168.1.1, where each number represents an octet.

The specificity of the term "octet" helps prevent confusion, especially since the term "byte" can sometimes refer to different sizes in different contexts, although it most commonly denotes eight bits in contemporary uses. Understanding the definition of an octet is crucial for network technicians, as it directly impacts subnetting, IP address assignment, and reading network protocols.