Search Wiki

UDP

Connectionless datagram protocol.

UDP protocol

User Datagram Protocol (UDP) is a communication protocol used primarily for applications requiring low latency and loss-tolerant data transmission. Unlike TCP, UDP provides a connectionless datagram service, meaning there’s no formal handshake or guaranteed delivery; it simply sends packets of data without establishing a dedicated connection.

Pronunciation

/juːˌdiːˈpiː/

Etymology

UDP is an abbreviation of User Datagram Protocol, derived from the need for a simple protocol to transmit data packets.

Explain Like I’m 5

UDP is like sending a postcard - you write the message and send it, but there's no guarantee it will arrive or in what order.

Fun Facts

UDP is connectionless, meaning it doesn't establish a dedicated connection before sending data
It's faster than TCP because it skips error checking and acknowledgements
QUIC, a modern protocol, builds on UDP's principles

FAQ

What is UDP? It's a communication protocol used for fast data transfer
Is it reliable? No, UDP doesn't guarantee delivery or order of packets
What is it used for? It's often used for online games, video streaming, and DNS

Hypernyms — Broader Categories

transport layer protocol

Holonyms — Wholes or Groups

internet protocol suite

Indexes

data communication network protocol

Related

TCP

Built by Tim Jones