Final answer:
UDP (User Datagram Protocol) is preferred over TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) for real-time applications. It is faster and more efficient for real-time communication, and it enables spin-off technologies like free Internet-based calling and video calling.
Step-by-step explanation:
UDP (User Datagram Protocol) is preferred over TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) for real-time applications such as telephone conversations and videoconferencing. UDP is a connectionless protocol that does not provide error-checking or retransmission of lost packets, which makes it faster and more efficient for real-time communication.
Unlike TCP, which requires a handshake and guarantees the delivery of packets in order, UDP simply sends packets without any acknowledgement or sequencing. This makes it suitable for applications where small delays or occasional loss of data can be tolerated, such as live audio and video streaming.
In addition, UDP is often used in conjunction with other technologies, such as IP Telephony and VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) services, to enable free Internet-based calling and video calling. These spin-off technologies take advantage of UDP's speed and efficiency to provide cost-effective alternatives to traditional telephone and videoconferencing systems.