DatagramSocket and DatagramPacket in Java

DatagramSocket Class

A datagram socket is the sending or receiving point for a packet delivery service. Each packet sent or received on a datagram socket is individually addressed and routed. Multiple packets sent from one machine to another may be routed differently, and may arrive in any order.

Syntax for Declaration

public class DatagramSocket
extends Object
implements Closeable
   

Where possible, a newly constructed DatagramSocket has the SO_BROADCAST socket option enabled so as to allow the transmission of broadcast datagrams. In order to receive broadcast packets a DatagramSocket should be bound to the wildcard address. In some implementations, broadcast packets may also be received when a DatagramSocket is bound to a more specific address.

For Example:

DatagramSocket s = new DatagramSocket(null);

s.bind(new InetSocketAddress(8888));

Which is equivalent to:

DatagramSocket s = new DatagramSocket(8888);

Both cases will create a DatagramSocket able to receive broadcasts on UDP port 8888.

DatagramPacket Class

Datagram packets are used to implement a connectionless packet delivery service. Each message is routed from one machine to another based solely on information contained within that packet. Multiple packets sent from one machine to another might be routed differently, and might arrive in any order. Packet delivery is not guaranteed.

Syntax for Declaration

    public final class DatagramPacket
    extends Object

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