In networking, packets are typically composed of which two main components?

In networking, packets are typically composed of address information and message data. The address information includes details such as source and destination IP addresses, which inform the network where the packet originated and where it should be delivered. This is crucial for ensuring that data sent over a network reaches the correct endpoint.

The message data, known as the payload, contains the actual content being transmitted, whether it's a part of an email, a file download, or any other form of communication. This separation into address information and message data is fundamental to the structure of networking protocols, facilitating efficient communication across various network architectures.

In contrast, other options include aspects that, while relevant to networking, do not universally define the essential structure of packets. Security headers, error-checking codes, and encryption standards serve specific roles in data transmission but are not foundational elements that make up the composition of all packets.