The Real-Time Transport Protocol (RTP) is a network protocol designed for delivering audio and video over the internet in real time. It is commonly used in applications like video conferencing and streaming media, where timely delivery of data is crucial. RTP works by breaking down media streams into smaller packets, which are then sent over the network. RTP typically operates on top of the User Datagram Protocol (UDP), allowing for low-latency transmission. It includes features for sequence numbering and timestamping, which help in maintaining the correct order of packets and synchronizing audio and video streams. This makes RTP essential for applications that require real-time communication, such as VoIP and online gaming.