We explain the difference between TCP and UDP with table. In Internet networks, multiple protocols are used for data transmission. Common protocols in vogue include TCP and UDP. Both travel data over the Internet.
Although both terms can be used synonymously due to their use of the IP protocol, there is a big difference between these two concepts as they transmit data differently from a network perspective.
What is TCP?
TCP stands for Transmission Control Protocol or Internet Protocol. TCP is a connection-based protocol and one of the protocols commonly used to transmit data from the Internet.
TCP works in a simple way allowing a two-way communication mechanism, in which one party searches for information, the other party / system sends the data or acknowledges receipt.
For example, once we load an Internet page, the system sends TCP packets to a specific web server requesting to send the information or the web page in question. That specific web page will respond by sending a set of TCP packets.
TCP is a reliable protocol, which means that data packets are tracked and there is no data loss or corruption during transit and it provides acknowledgment by the recipient. Additionally, TCP provides error checking and guarantees delivery of data and packets in the order they are sent.
TCP works separately from the operating system. TCP has an extremely upgradeable client-server model.
TCP supports the creation of a virtual network in case of connection of multiple system networks. TCP also supports the generation of a connection between systems and supports multiple routing protocols. TCP provides an effective flow control management mechanism by implementing flow control by organizing traffic and network congestion.
TCP cannot be used for broadcast transmission. Replacing TCP is fraught with challenges. Also, TCP can have blocking problems, such as blocking web pages, unless it is reloaded.
TCP
What is UDP?
UDP stands for User Datagram Protocol. Datagram in simple terms means a packet of information. UDP is a protocol that is not connection-based.
UDP works in the same way as TCP but does not guarantee data delivery. In simple words, the recipient will continue to receive data packets and the sender may not be able to validate whether the recipient is receiving data or not.
Recipients may well not receive certain packages but cannot request them, but all of this happens at high speed. So the biggest benefit of UDP is the high speed with which packets are transferred.
UDP supports the transmission of network broadcast packets. UDP is commonly used for rush applications. UDP can also be used in the case of DNS (that is, domain name system) and Internet games. UDP can be used in a scenario where speed is very critical but error correction is not important.
UDP does not guarantee packet delivery and there is also the possibility of packet / data loss. The UDP protocol can support error detection, but this can lead to packets being dropped without attempting subsequent retransmissions.
Also, there is the possibility that data packets are delivered incorrectly or receive the same packets multiple times.
UDP
Difference between TCP and UDP with table
The main difference between TCP and UDP is that TCP is a connection-based protocol, that is, it establishes a connection between the sender and the receiver before sending the data, while UDP is a non-connection-based protocol, that is, it does not form a connection before sending the data.
However, the above is not the only difference. A comparison between both terms on certain parameters can shed light on subtle aspects:
Comparison table between TCP and UDP (in tabular form)
TCP UDP comparison parameter
| What does the acronym mean? | Transmission Control Protocol | User datagram protocol |
| Docking station | Based on connection | It is not based on connection |
| Does it establish a connection between the sender and the receiver of data? | Yes | Not |
| Is this a handshake protocol? | Yes | No, that is, offline |
| Is it the most used protocol? | Yes | No, but it depends on suitability for certain areas |
| How does it work? | TCP-based messages are transmitted from one system / computer to another on the Internet. | One program can send multiple data packets to another program. |
| Can the data delivery be guaranteed? | Yes | Not |
| Which one is more reliable? | TCP is more reliable since the sender receives the acknowledgment | Less reliable |
| Are the data packets arranged in any specific order? | Yes, sequential order | No specific order |
| Does it allow data packets to be sent in sequential order? | Yes | No, the data packets are sent anyway. |
| From a weight perspective? | Heavy due to requirement of multiple ports for connection setup | Lightweight because there is no sequential order of messages or connection tracking. |
| Are there recognition segments? | Yes | Not |
| From a speed perspective | Slower than UDP as it performs multiple activities such as connection setup, error checking, and sequential sending. | Faster than TCP |
| What is the size of the header? | 20 bytes | 8 bytes |
| Is error recovery performed? | Yes, error checking and recovery. | Not much |
| Does it provide a comprehensive error checking mechanism? | Yes | No, only one mechanism available |
| Can it be used for broadcast transmissions? | Not | Yes |
| Does it allow flow control management? | Yes | No, as packages are sent continuously |
| Suitability | It is used in cases of FTP (file transfer protocol), Internet, email, cases where the client and the server transmit data packets independently. | Used in case of live streaming, VOIP (Voice over Internet Protocol), video streaming, online gaming, DNS |
Main differences between TCP and UDP
- TCP stands for Transmission Control Protocol. UDP stands for User Datagram Protocol.
- TCP is a connection-based protocol, that is, it establishes a connection between a sender and a receiver before sending data. UDP is a connectionless protocol and does not require a configured connection for data movement.
- TCP provides error checking techniques. UDP does not provide such techniques and recipients may receive erroneous or corrupted data or may not even receive data that cannot be requested again.
- TCP is slower and more cumbersome as it needs to do multiple tasks such as connection setup, error checking, and sequential ordering. UDP is faster as it does not perform these tasks and it is a lightweight protocol.
- TCP is reliable and data delivery is guaranteed combined with hands-on data loss recognition and recovery. UDP is unreliable as it does not guarantee data delivery and there is the possibility that data will be corrupted or lost in transit.
- TCP provides a sequential order when sending data and also provides a flow control technique to keep traffic flowing smoothly and not irritate receivers with too many packets. UDP does not provide such a protocol or any specific order to send data packets and will send packets in any way and does not provide any flow control mechanism.
Final Thought
TCP and UDP are very fashionable today. Also, there is a tendency to equate both terms as equal and as a result, a TCP can be implemented instead of UDP and vice versa.
Therefore, it would be a prudent idea if the evaluation of their subtle differences were carried out before deciding to purchase, since both differ from each other in practicality and use.
Thorough hands-on knowledge and advice, especially from network specialists, is suggested to reap the full benefits of TCP or UDP implementation. The most important focal point that should always be kept in perspective is whether the in-range app is in and will stay connected for the expected time.
Word cloud to differentiate between TCP and UDP
The following is a compilation of the most used terms in this article about TCP and UDP . This should help you remember related terms as they are used in this article at a later stage.
Word cloud for TCP and UDP
