azUDP

azUDP is a protocol that aims to provide reliable data transfer over UDP. It achieves reliability by implementing mechanisms typically found in TCP, such as acknowledgments, retransmissions, and flow control. The protocol operates at the application layer, meaning it is implemented within applications rather than as a separate network layer protocol. This allows for more flexibility in tailoring the reliability features to specific application needs.

The core idea behind azUDP is to retain the low overhead and speed advantages of UDP while adding a layer of dependability. This is particularly useful for applications that are sensitive to packet loss but cannot tolerate the latency introduced by traditional TCP. Examples might include certain real-time streaming services, online gaming, or distributed data synchronization protocols where occasional packet loss can be handled with minimal impact or where application-level recovery is more efficient.

azUDP typically works by segmenting application data into packets and adding its own header information. This header contains sequence numbers, acknowledgment numbers, and flags that enable the retransmission and ordering of packets. When a receiver receives a packet, it sends back an acknowledgment. If the sender does not receive an acknowledgment within a certain timeout period, it retransmits the packet. Flow control mechanisms are also employed to prevent a fast sender from overwhelming a slow receiver. The specific implementation details and tuning of these parameters can vary depending on the application using azUDP.