How does BACnet utilize User Datagram Protocol (UDP)?

BACnet leverages the User Datagram Protocol (UDP) primarily because UDP aligns well with BACnet's operational framework, which includes its own set of delivery guarantees. BACnet is designed for building automation and control networks, where timely communication is often prioritized over reliability. By utilizing UDP, BACnet can send messages quickly due to UDP's low overhead, but it's BACnet's own mechanisms that provide added layers of reliability and ensure that messages are appropriately handled, even though UDP itself does not inherently guarantee message delivery.

This unique blend allows BACnet to optimize performance in environments that require efficient and timely data exchange, which is crucial for real-time applications in building management systems.