What does "interoperability" refer to in networking?

Interoperability in networking refers to the ability of different systems, devices, and applications to work together seamlessly. This concept is vital in environments where diverse technologies and platforms need to communicate and operate cohesively, such as in mixed-vendor networks or multi-technology architectures. When interoperability is achieved, it ensures that disparate components can share data and functionality without compatibility issues, leading to improved efficiency and user experience.

Other aspects such as the speed of data transfer, resistance to cyber-attacks, and the capability of a single device to communicate within various technologies, while important in their own right, do not define interoperability. Speed focuses on performance, security measures address threats, and device capabilities pertain to individual device functionality, rather than the broader concept of cooperation and communication among multiple systems. Thus, option B accurately encapsulates the essence of interoperability in networking.