Optional update for Windows 7 x64-based systems (KB2574819)

[Marvin]

The "More information" for the above update says this:

An update is available that adds support for DTLS in Windows 7 SP1 and Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1

This article describes an update that adds support for Datagram Transport Layer Security (DTLS) in Windows 7 Service Pack 1 (SP1) and Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1. This update reduces the protocol overhead on slow network connections for applications that support the DTLS protocol instead of the Transport Layer Security (TLS) protocol.

Note DTLS provides TLS functionalities that are based on the User Datagram Protocol (UDP) protocol. Because TLS is based on the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) protocol, DTLS performs better than TLS.

So, I'm wondering if this is a necessary update (Microsoft says it's optional) ... and, specifically, if it would affect my Internet connection (in a good or a bad way)? Especially when playing Mercenary in multiplayer.

[Capt_Caveman]

this adds support for "DTLS"
this will not force your computer to use it when not needed
and should not cause any problems .

[Marvin]

Okay, thanks. Can you explain where it is used? In what situations and why I'd want to install it?

[Capt_Caveman]

probably not widely used yet and you may never need it.

[Marvin]

Okay, Cap ... thanks again.