SONET, or Synchronous Optical Networking, is a standardized digital communication protocol used to transmit data over optical fiber. It enables high-speed data transfer by organizing data into fixed-size packets, allowing for efficient and reliable communication between different network devices. SONET is widely used in telecommunications to connect various systems and manage bandwidth. It supports multiple data formats and can carry voice, video, and internet traffic simultaneously. By providing a framework for synchronization, SONET ensures that data is transmitted without delays or interruptions, making it essential for modern communication networks.