I am trying to understand the difference between message-oriented and stream-oriented protocols. I've searched around and haven't found a clear explanation or distinction between the two. Could anybody please explain me or give a link to a page that explains if there are differences?
Thank you
Message Oriented protocols send data in distinct chunks or groups. The receiver of data can determine where one message ends and another begins. Stream protocols send a continuous flow of data.
Here is an example with mobile phones. Text messages would be a message oriented protocol as each text message is distinct from the other messages. A phone call is stream oriented as there is a continuous flow of audio throughout the call.
Common protocols used on the internet are UDP (message oriented) and TCP (stream oriented). Wikipedia these terms for more information.
Hope this helps