Skip to main content


Home Media Dispatch Protocol

Media Dispatch Protocol

(also MDP)

Media Dispatch Protocol definition

The Media Dispatch Protocol (MDP) is a set of rules that govern how devices share and manage media files, like photos, videos, or audio recordings. The protocol’s main role is to ensure smooth and efficient communication between devices.

See also: media access control

How the MDP is used

  • Sending media files. When you want to send a media file (for example, a photo) from one device to another, the MDP helps establish a connection between the sender and the recipient’s device. Its job is to make sure that the file is packaged correctly and sent over the network in a way that is compatible with the receiving device.
  • Receiving media files. On the receiving end, the MDP helps the device receive the incoming media file and unpack it so that it can be displayed or saved on the recipient's device. At this stage, the MDP ensures that the file is received as it should be — and can be accessed by the user without problems.
  • Managing media files. The MDP may also include features for managing media files — like organizing them into albums or folders, tagging them with metadata, or performing basic editing functions. These features help users keep their media library organized and easily accessible.

An example of MDD in use

Imagine a broadcaster needs to send a program to a post-production company for editing. The Media Dispatch Protocol (MDP) acts like a middleman, making sure the programs get to the right place smoothly. The MDP manages how the files are packaged and where they should go — and keeps them secure.