/* Yes, there is the potential to drop packets
             * because we might close the socket during a
             * request. However the chances are slim and the
             * retry code should ensure the overall request
             * is serviced. The alternative complicates things
             * more than I think is worth it.
             */

            if( socket != null ) {
                socket.close();

             * Yes, there is the potential to drop packets
             * because we might close the socket during a
             * request. However the chances are slim and the
             * retry code should ensure the overall request
             * is serviced. The alternative complicates things
             * more than I think is worth it.
             */

            if ( this.socket != null ) {
                this.socket.close();