User Datagram Protocol (UDP) is a communications protocol for transmitting messages between computers over a network. It is one of the core protocols of the Internet protocol suite. UDP is used for applications that require low-latency and loss-tolerant connections, such as video streaming, VoIP, and online gaming.

Features of UDP

  • Connectionless: UDP does not establish a connection between the sender and the receiver before sending data. This makes it faster than TCP, as it does not need to go through the handshake process.
  • Lightweight: UDP has a small header, making it more efficient for sending small amounts of data.
  • No guarantee of delivery: Unlike TCP, UDP does not guarantee that the data will be delivered to the destination. This can be a disadvantage for applications that require reliable delivery.

UDP Applications

  • Streaming: UDP is commonly used for streaming applications because it allows for real-time data transmission without buffering.
  • VoIP: Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) relies on UDP for low-latency communication.
  • Online Gaming: UDP is used for online gaming to reduce latency and allow for real-time gameplay.

UDP Architecture

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