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Virtual Dictionary

UDP

UDP or User Datagram Protocol is one of two ways of transmitting data online. Unlike the other method TCP, UDP works by broadcast. It fires 'packets' of information off, one after another, into the void of the internet. All these packets have, to guide them, is the address they're going to, and any other information they were given. Whether the packets arrive at their destination or not is almost irrelevant. If one is lost in transmission, no one cares. They're just fired out, one after another.

This sounds rediculous, but, if you think about it, UDP is PERFECT for virtual worlds. If packets arrive out of order, the most recent one is taken, the rest can be ignored. This cuts a jagged slash through lag, usually cutting it by two thirds or more. Why waste time waiting for old information, as you would do with TCP?

The downside of UDP is its very simplicity. Unlike TCP, UDP libraries do not exist. Coders have to recreate packet handling themselves, to cope with the demands of transmission. This is not a task to take lightly, and UDP is not advised for essential data - such as chat - which cannot afford to have chunks missing.

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Related Dictionary Entries for UDP:

TCP

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