TELNET Port Number: Exploring Port 23 for TELNET Services

Telnet is a remote access protocol used to log in and access the command-line interface of a remote device or computer over a network. It allows users to execute commands and manage the remote system as if they were physically present at the console.

The default port number commonly used by the TELNET protocol is 23.

What is TELNET Protocol?

• Telnet allows users to connect and log on to any other hosts in the network from their computer by using login credentials (user name, password).
• Telnet uses the TCP protocol for connections.
• Telnet service is available on port 23 of the host machine.
• Telnet client acts as a terminal which accepts any keystrokes from the keyboard, interprets them, and displays the output on the screen.

A client on the computer makes a TCP connection to port 23 of the host machine, where the Telnet server answers. The Telnet server interacts with applications in the host machine and assists in the terminal emulation process.

• Refer to the advantages and disadvantages of the TELNET protocol for more information.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the TELNET protocol, established as one of the earliest standards for remote login services, commonly uses port number 23 for communication. This well-known port facilitates a bidirectional interactive text-oriented communication between two systems. While TELNET has been largely replaced by more secure protocols like SSH due to its lack of encryption, it still holds historical significance and is occasionally used for network diagnostics and troubleshooting. Understanding TELNET and its designated port number is essential for those studying networking fundamentals and the evolution of internet protocols. By recognizing its limitations and the context of its use, one can appreciate the advancements in secure communication technologies that have succeeded it.