The protocol that defines standards for transmitting data in computer networks is known as Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP). This suite of communication protocols governs how data packets are sent and received across the internet and other networks. TCP handles the packaging and delivery of data, ensuring reliable transmission through acknowledgments and error correction, while IP provides addressing and routing information for directing packets to their destinations. Together, TCP/IP forms the foundation of modern networking, facilitating communication and connectivity across diverse systems and devices globally.