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A data stream is defined in IT as a set of digital signals used for different kinds of content transmission. Data streams work in many different ways across many modern technologies, with industry standards to support broad global networks and individual access.
Many data streams are controlled using a packet-based system. The common 3G and 4G wireless platforms, as well as Internet transmissions, are composed of these sets of data packets that are handled in specific ways. For example, packets typically include headers that identify the origin or intended recipient, along with other information that can make data stream handling more effective.
Many different types of IT professionals are engaged in controlling a data stream and monitoring its use. Network administrators look at data flowing into and out of the network, or working its way through a network topology. Those involved in Internet-related IT tasks look at how the global network handles data streams. Even internal (non-network, non-IT) teams such as accounting and research may do a lot of work regarding data streams as they try to handle different kinds of information and process it in different ways. Technology journalists provide information on standard data stream transmission speeds and other industry conventions, and the public looks at how data stream handling plays a role in new technologies.