What characterizes the User Datagram Protocol (UDP)?

The User Datagram Protocol (UDP) is characterized by being connection-less and not guaranteeing delivery of data. This means that UDP does not establish a connection before sending data and does not require acknowledgment from the recipient. This connection-less nature allows for quicker transmissions since there is no need for the overhead associated with setting up and maintaining a connection, making UDP suitable for applications like video streaming, online gaming, and voice over IP (VoIP) where speed is often more critical than reliability.

Because UDP forgoes error-checking and retransmission of lost packets, it does not provide reliability in the same way that connection-oriented protocols, like TCP (Transmission Control Protocol), do. TCP ensures that data is delivered in the correct order and retransmits lost packets, which is essential for applications where data integrity is crucial.

The distinction of UDP being connection-less and lacking delivery guarantees is what defines its primary characteristics in network communications. This makes it suitable for certain types of applications and aligns with its overall design goals focusing on speed and efficiency over reliability.