UDP Port Setup |
UDP, or User Datagram Protocol, provides a method for application programs to send data to other programs over a network with only a minimum of protocol overhead. It is a much more efficient transport mechanism than TCP.
Although efficient, the use of UDP is not without risks. UDP offers only a minimal transport service and cannot guarantee complete datagram delivery. Because delivery and duplicate protection are not guaranteed, applications requiring the ordered, reliable delivery of data streams should use TCP.
Port Numbers
The IANA, Internet Assigned Numbers Authority, manages the assignment of TCP and UDP ports from 0-1023.
Port Ids from 0-1023 should not be used. These ports are designated as well-known ports and have been assigned specific functions by the IANA. On most systems these ports can only be used by system processes or processes executed by priveledged users.
Port numbers 1024 - 49151 are called registered ports. They are used as logical connections to carry on long term conversations. On most systems these ports can be used by ordinary user processes. They are not controlled by the IANA, although the IANA registers their use as a convenience to the user community.
Port numbers 49152 - 65535 are called dynamic and/or private ports, and use of these ports should be avoided.
The IANA provides a list of accepted port number assignments that can be found at the following location: