User Datagram Protocol (UDP)

• UDP is a transport layer protocol that serves as an alternative to TCP, particularly suited for applications that do not require a connection-oriented approach.
• Connectionless Communication: Unlike TCP, which establishes a connection before data transfer, UDP sends data without establishing a connection, making it faster and more efficient for certain types of applications.
• Simpler Header: The UDP header is much simpler than that of TCP, allowing for quicker processing and lower overhead. This makes UDP ideal for real-time applications such as video streaming, voice over IP (VoIP), and online gaming.
• Applications: Common uses of UDP include DNS lookups, broadcast communications, and applications where speed is critical and some data loss is acceptable.