CCNA (200-301) - 1.5 - Compare TCP to UDP (TCP vs. UDP)

TCP vs. UDP

A simple guide to the internet's two most common data delivery services.

TCP

The Reliable Messenger

Think of TCP as a certified mail service. It's built for **accuracy** and **reliability**, ensuring every piece of data arrives safe, sound, and in the correct order.

Key Features:

✓ Establishes a connection first (handshake).

✓ Guarantees delivery and re-sends lost data.

✓ Ensures data is ordered correctly.

Best for:

Web Browsing, Email, File Transfers

UDP

The Speedy Postcard

Think of UDP as sending a postcard. It's all about **speed** and **efficiency**. It sends data immediately without any guarantees, making it incredibly fast.

Key Features:

✗ No connection required; just sends data.

✗ No guaranteed delivery or error checking.

✗ Data can arrive out of order or not at all.

Best for:

Live Streaming, Online Gaming, DNS

At a Glance

Feature | TCP | UDP
Connection | Required (Handshake) | Connectionless
Reliability | High (Guaranteed) | Low (Best-Effort)
Ordering | Ordered Sequence | No Ordering
Speed | Slower (More Overhead) | Faster (Less Overhead)

So, which is better? Neither! They are different tools for different jobs.

CCNA 200-301 Related Articles

→ CCNA 200-301: Routers Explained

→ CCNA 200-301: NGFW & IPS Concepts

→ CCNA 200-301: Switch Concepts