What is UDP traffic?

[doug.hall]

Just found identified that for me to fix an issue with iTunes multiple speakers I need to open two UDP ports (6001 and 6002) on my firewall. What does this mean and could this cause a problem with the security of my network?

Basically, whats the impact on me if I open them?

 

[iMeowbot]

I suppose that an evil attacker could use the open ports to broadcast really awful music to your network, but that' about the worst

UDP is sort of TCP/IP Lite. It's the same old network connections with a little bit less handshaking. It's useful for stuff like live audio where there's no point in going back to recover lost bits if the line hiccups.

 

[doug.hall]

Thanks for taking the time to explain it.

 

[doug.hall]

I suppose that an evil attacker could use the open ports to broadcast really awful music to your network, but that' about the worst

UDP is sort of TCP/IP Lite. It's the same old network connections with a little bit less handshaking. It's useful for stuff like live audio where there's no point in going back to recover lost bits if the line hiccups.

If I have 4 devices on my network do I need to open 4 ports? i.e. 6001, 2, 3 and 6004?

 

[iMeowbot]

If I have 4 devices on my network do I need to open 4 ports? i.e. 6001, 2, 3 and 6004?

You can have more than one connection going to the same port. The name "port" is kind of misleading, it's more of an address than a placeholder for a connection.

 

[SunnyDayGal]

UDP explanation

I suppose that an evil attacker could use the open ports to broadcast really awful music to your network, but that' about the worst

UDP is sort of TCP/IP Lite. It's the same old network connections with a little bit less handshaking. It's useful for stuff like live audio where there's no point in going back to recover lost bits if the line hiccups.

Just want to say thanks and let you know something you shared here SO long ago is still helping people.


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