What Does Data Mean?
Data, in the context of computing, refers to distinct pieces of digital information. Data is usually formatted in a specific way and can exist in a variety of forms, such as numbers, text, etc. When used in the context of transmission media, data refers to information in binary digital format.
Techopedia Explains Data
Data is a broad term in computer technology, but it is often used to identify and separate information from mere bits.
In telecommunications, data often refers to digital, rather than analog, information. Unlike analog transmissions, which require a hard-line connection for the duration of a transmission, digital data is sent in packets.