User Datagram Protocol is the official full form of UDP. A communication protocol called UDP facilitates messages across different computing units in a network. This message-oriented protocol functions on both communication channels and data pathways. In networks using IP (Internet Protocols), it is also known as UDP/IP and serves as a substitute for TCP (transmission control protocol). It is a messaging protocol that is applied to data pathways and communication channels.
The protocol functions well with applications that need low latency and loss-tolerant connections.
It is used for straightforward request-response communication when data size is less; and flow & error control are less of a concern.
Due to UDP's support for packet switching, it is an appropriate protocol for multicasting.
Some routing update protocols, such as RIP, are employed under UDP typically for real-time applications that cannot accept unequal delays between parts of a received message
It is advantageous to utilize User Datagram Protocol with applications that can cope with missing data because of its characteristics. Here are a few instances:
It is appropriate for real-time applications where latency could be an issue since it enables packets to be lost and received in a different sequence than they were delivered.
It may be utilized for protocols that rely on transactions, such DNS or Network Time Protocol (NTP).
It can be utilized in applications like gaming, phone or video conferencing, and streaming media where a lot of customers are connected and real-time error correction isn't required.
Sometimes Unreliable protocols are included under UDP.
Congestion control is difficult by using the UDP protocols.
Since UDP doesn't have the idea of windowing, it cannot guarantee the order in which data will be received.
Additionally, UDP protocol does not offer flow control.