What is a primary characteristic of DTLS?

The correct answer highlights that DTLS, or Datagram Transport Layer Security, fundamentally utilizes UDP (User Datagram Protocol) packets as part of its operation. This is crucial because DTLS is specifically designed to provide security for applications that require the low-latency benefits of UDP while still needing the security features that TLS offers, such as encryption and data integrity.

By employing UDP, DTLS allows for quicker data transmission, which is essential in scenarios like real-time applications (e.g., VoIP, online gaming) that cannot afford the overhead and latency introduced by connection-oriented TCP. This enables DTLS to protect the integrity and confidentiality of message transmissions without incurring the delay typically associated with establishing and maintaining TCP connections.

While it is true that DTLS secures the transport layer and can facilitate secure communications, its unique usage of UDP packets is what fundamentally distinguishes it from other protocols that might rely on TCP, making its operation high-performance and suitable for interactive session requirements as well.