What is the primary difference between TCP and UDP?

Prepare for Networking Essentials - Version C LE Test with our interactive quiz. Engage with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each featuring helpful hints and explanations. Ace your exam with confidence!

The primary difference between TCP and UDP lies in their approach to establishing connections and ensuring reliable data transmission. TCP, or Transmission Control Protocol, is classified as a connection-oriented protocol, meaning that it establishes a connection between the sender and receiver before data is transmitted. This connection setup involves a process known as a handshake, where both parties agree on parameters necessary for the communication. TCP ensures that data is delivered in order, checks for errors, and guarantees that packets are sent and received accurately. If any packets are lost during transmission, TCP will retransmit them, providing robustness in data delivery.

In contrast, UDP, or User Datagram Protocol, is connectionless. It sends data without establishing a dedicated end-to-end connection. There is no handshaking process, and the data can be sent without confirming that the receiver is ready or that the data integrity is intact. While this makes UDP faster and more efficient in scenarios where speed is critical, it does not provide the same level of reliability and error checking as TCP.

This distinction is fundamental in networking, as TCP is typically used for applications that require reliable data delivery, such as web browsing, email, and file transfers, while UDP is often used in situations where speed is essential and some data loss may be acceptable

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy