Welcome to the Criticality of TCP and UDP.
In this module, we'll garner a high‑level overview of the protocols TCP and UDP,
which we can then build on as our modules progress.
It doesn't matter if it's your favorite smartphone application that tracks your
steps or a core router serving 911's critical communication networks. TCP and
UDP lie at the heart of it. Without TCP and UDP,
networks will fail.
It could be as minor as your step tracking
application may be missing a step or two,
but it could be much worse.
It could be 911 not being able to relay data to an ambulance in
route to an auto accident. To troubleshoot TCP and UDP‑related
issues, it'll require a deep understanding of this crucial
process, so let's gain that knowledge.
Let's take a deep dive into the criticality of TCP and UDP.
TCP and UDP aid in the role of data transportation. TCP
provides reliable communications.
Reliable communications are most often seen in computer
systems utilized by fire departments, banks,
hospitals, and many more environments.
Essentially, if you require reliable data transportation,
TCP is the protocol for you.
While UDP provides a best effort communication,
which is generally what services that require no
guarantee of data delivery utilize.
A common use of UDP is through online games,
but it could be something as important as a cell phone call to 911 or even a video conferencing call.