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Definition

User Datagram Protocol (UDP)

User Datagram Protocol (UDP) is a lightweight, connectionless transport-layer protocol that provides fast data transmission between programs without delivery or ordering guarantees. UDP operates over IP without a connection handshake, delivery confirmations, or retransmission of lost packets; it simply sends the data immediately. It is chosen for applications where transmission speed and timeliness matter more than perfection, such as live video streaming, voice calls, and online multiplayer gaming.

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Updated 2026-09-10

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Prep Sessions

Network Architecture and Data Flow: From Packets to Protocols @ University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

Ch.3 Routing and Transport Mechanisms - Network Architecture and Data Flow: From Packets to Protocols @ University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

Transport Layer Protocols: TCP versus UDP - Network Architecture and Data Flow: From Packets to Protocols @ University of Michigan - Ann Arbor