In what type of network is UDP ideal due to its low overhead and timely delivery?

UDP, or User Datagram Protocol, is particularly well-suited for real-time networks because it prioritizes low overhead and timely delivery of data. In real-time applications, such as audio and video streaming, latency is a critical factor; therefore, the quick transmission of data packets is essential. UDP accomplishes this by avoiding the complexity of connection management and error-checking that protocols like TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) implement. This allows for faster data transmission, which is crucial in situations where delays could disrupt performance.

Real-time applications often require data to be delivered in a timely manner even if some packets are lost, so UDP’s design aligns perfectly with these requirements. The ability to send messages without establishing a connection means that users can experience continuous flow with minimal latency, thereby maintaining the integrity of the media being transmitted. UDP enables timely delivery crucial for applications such as DANTE audio networks, where uninterrupted audio is key to the user experience.

This aligns closely with the demands of real-time communications, making UDP the protocol of choice in these scenarios.