Which network protocol has the Department of Defense chosen as its standard to govern the flow of information?

The correct choice reflects the Department of Defense’s endorsement of the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) as the standard for governing the flow of information across networks. TCP/IP is a robust suite of protocols that is designed to interconnect different types of networks and facilitate communication between various devices. Its flexibility, scalability, and ability to handle a wide range of networking tasks have made it the backbone of the internet and most modern networking environments.

TCP/IP is critical for enabling various applications and services to communicate over large, diverse networks. It provides reliable data transmission and route selection, ensuring that information reaches its destination accurately and efficiently. This makes it particularly suitable for both military and civilian use, accommodating diverse and complex requirements.

In contrast, the other protocols mentioned have limited application or scope. AppleTalk is primarily used for Apple devices and is not widely adopted today. NetBios Extended User Interface serves a specific role within Windows networking but lacks the broad functionality of TCP/IP. Internetwork Packet Exchange/Sequenced Packet Exchange, primarily associated with Novell networks, has become outdated and is not the standard in modern networking protocols. Thus, TCP/IP's comprehensive capabilities and widespread acceptance make it the optimal choice for governing information flow within the Department of Defense and beyond.