A network administrator is auditing network traffic generated by an automated asset tracking system. The system continuously sends brief location update bursts from handheld scanners to a central server using User Datagram Protocol (UDP). During peak operational hours, some location update packets are dropped due to network congestion, but the server does not request retransmissions. Which characteristic of UDP explains why packet retransmission is not automatically performed at the Transport layer?
- UDP is a connectionless protocol that does not establish session state or track packet delivery using sequence numbers and acknowledgments.Answer
- BUDP relies on Layer 3 Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP) flags to manage sliding window mechanisms and packet recovery.
- CUDP requires the Session layer to perform a three-way handshake prior to initiating frame retransmissions.
- DUDP is a connection-oriented protocol that delegates packet recovery responsibility exclusively to Physical layer media access controls.
Answer
UDP is connectionless and does not maintain session state, sequence numbers, or transmission acknowledgments at the Transport layer.
The correct choice highlights that UDP is a connectionless protocol. It does not perform a connection handshake, track payload delivery, or assign sequence numbers to datagrams. Consequently, it operates with minimal header overhead and lower latency, leaving any error recovery or retransmission functions to the application layer if required.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Connectionless transport protocols prioritize low overhead by omitting connection setup, sequencing, and flow control mechanisms.