Which method allows media content to be transported over a network as a steady, continuous flow, enabling playback while subsequent data is received?

Streaming is the method that allows media content to be transmitted over a network in a steady, continuous flow, facilitating immediate playback while additional data continues to be transferred. This process is particularly effective for audio and video content, as it minimizes wait time and delivers a seamless user experience. During streaming, the media is divided into small packets that are sent over the internet to the user’s device. As these packets arrive, they are decoded and played back in real time, allowing users to start enjoying the content almost immediately instead of waiting for a complete download.

This approach contrasts with methods like downloading, where the entire file must be transferred and saved on a device before playback can begin. Caching involves storing parts of data locally to reduce load times for frequently accessed content but does not inherently support the continuous playback feature of streaming. Buffering, while related, refers to the process of preloading a portion of media data to ensure smooth playback. However, buffering is part of the streaming process and does not describe the method of content delivery itself.