On the Internet, Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) is an example of connection-based messaging. TCP is a conventional Internet protocol that orders the transmission of data "octets" between a given origin and destination. However, TCP is not the only option for directing Internet traffic. An alternative called User Datagram Protocol (UDP) is a connectionless option that does not perform the same kinds of checks that TCP does in sending a message. Communications paradigms like Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) use UDP.

While connection-based protocols may work better for some systems, a connectionless protocol will often be adequate for data delivery. Experts point out that where a few dropped data packets are not noticed by receivers, UDP may be an acceptable protocol. UDP may also be favored because of the lower overhead associated with declining to implement handshakes and other connectivity protocols. Also, UDP and some other connectionless protocols can facilitate multi-casting to a variety of receivers.

One way to think about a connectionless protocol is as a kind of "open signal," such as those used in radio frequency transmissions. Connection-based protocols, on the other hand, may more closely resemble a cabled connection with a defined point of origin tethered to a particular destination.