Script to send something via UDP and intercept at other end?

I am looking to do a shell script that can send something simple via UDP from server 1 - to server 2
I want to be able to see on server 2 that I received everything expected..

ie.. I am looking at this to avoid using ping / traceroute to highlight network issues.. if a UDP packet gets lost then it would be clear there is an issue somewhere in the network

Could I send something like hello over various UDP packets - and if I only receive helo on the other end i know I lost a packet...

I know I am saying this very simplistically - and I sure it wouldnt be easy to script but looking for help all the same...

Something like The GNU Netcat -- Official homepage