Datagram

/ˈdeɪ.tə.ɡræm/ noun

Definition

A small, independent packet of data sent across a network that can travel to its destination without prior communication setup.

Etymology

Blend of 'data' and 'telegram' (from Greek 'tele' meaning far and German 'gramm' meaning something written). Coined in computer networking in the 1970s.

Kelly Says

Datagrams are like digital postcards—they're sent independently without checking if the recipient is ready, which is why UDP internet traffic is so fast but sometimes unreliable.

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