Somewhere here I am not thinking straight : I can''t use select() in a connectionless situation, that is, where I am using recvfrom() and sendto(), at least not in a way that does any good If I use connected datagram sockets the first client to connect() will hog the server since the server''s fd is "taken" So, what to do ? Use non-blocking sockets and a timer ?

What''s wrong with select?

You''re right - I can and will use select.

Here''s where my thinking was flawed, I thought that recvfrom() specified exactly from who you will recieve !! Lo and behold, it just pulls in a packet then tells you who it''s from so that is much easier. Problem solved.