UDP
n.n. Stands for User Datagram Protocol. A way for computers to send information over the internet very quickly without checking if every piece of data arrived perfectly.
n. Abbreviation for User Datagram Protocol. A connectionless transport layer protocol used in IP networking that prioritizes low latency over reliability by sending data packets without establishing a formal handshake or verifying delivery.
Online games often use UDP to reduce lag during fast gameplay.
The streaming service switched to UDP for its live broadcasts to ensure that the video remained synchronized even if some data packets were lost.
While TCP ensures data integrity through error-checking and retransmission, UDP is preferred for time-sensitive applications like VoIP and DNS queries where speed is more critical than perfect reconstruction.
Often used as a modifier before another noun, such as 'UDP packet' or 'UDP port'.
Last updated July 22, 2026