User Datagram Protocol

User Datagram Protocol (UDP) is defined to provide a datagram mode of packet-switched computer communication in the environment of an interconnected set of computer networks. UDP and IP are tightly integrated. IP identifies a packet's destination and source nodes on the internet, while UDP identifies the destination and source processes within those systems. The aim here is to provide a procedure for application programs to send messages to other programs with a minimum use of protocol mechanism. The protocol is transaction oriented, and delivery and duplicate protection are not guaranteed. Applications requiring ordered reliable delivery of streams of data should use the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP). The chapter gives the details of RFC 768, explaining the UDP specifications. It is probably the simplest internet protocol that plays an important role in providing a lightweight transport protocol offering little more than a simple binding function, connecting process to the internet interface.