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What is Telnet? Definition, Uses, Advantages & Drawbacks

Telnet is a TCP/IP protocol, which is used for accessing other computers remotely. With the help of Telnet, a User or an administrator can access another computer remotely.

On the Internet, FTP and HTTP protocol allows you to share particular files from Remote Workstation, but you can’t log in as a User in another Computer.

With the help of Telnet Protocol, you can log in as regular User with the access to use specific Software and Data from that Remote Computer.

Telnet Protocol stands for “Teletype Network,” it is used to develop a connection between two Computers by using the Telnet protocol (TCP/IP).

It is a protocol that can deliver a bidirectional interactive communications function for accessing the Virtual Terminal Connection.

Telnet is a networking method that allows connecting with another computer remotely over the Internet. Also, it can be use Programs and data from other Computers if they are into the same LAN (Local Area Network).

Telnet protocol is available on port number 23 of the host machine. This Command request looks like that computer User ID.

Telnet Protocol History

Telnet is a Virtual Terminal Protocol, developed in 1969. This acronym comes from the terminal network, teletype network, or telecommunications network on which source you believe. It was developed as a remote control to manage the distance level terminal.

How Telnet works:

Telnet uses a virtual terminal connection over 8byte speed. The Computer user connects to an available server by using the Telnet Protocol.

That means Users can enter the telnet command prompt by using Syntax: Telnet hostname port. To end the session, the User should be logged off from Telnet Command.

Below are the common uses of Telnet:

  • Telnet can be used to troubleshoot or test web or mail servers, as well as for remote access. 
  • Enterprise networks to the admission of the host applications.
  • Telnet is a computer protocol that provides a two-way communication service between computers over the local area networks (LAN) and the Internet.
  • Telnet protocol runs over secure networks for Mobile data collection applications.
  • There are various text-based games available over Telnet.
  • For several years, multiple library catalogs were only reachable through Telnet.

Advantages of TELNET Protocol:

  • Telnet Protocol can be servers, and clients implement a network virtual terminal (NVT).
  • It helps in the administration to work over the net.
  • Telnet Can be to send/receive computer information over the command.
  • Telnet can support user confirmation.

Drawbacks of TELNET

  • In the Telnet Protocol, User ID and Password can be transmitted encryption command.
  • There are chances of risk security in Telnet protocol as snooping and eavesdropping are laid-back by hackers or intruders.
  • It is a very ineffective protocol on the Internet.
  • It is costly as per slow typing speeds.

Below is the port list, which one can connect to through Telnet. This can be used to connect virtually to any machine: 

  • Computer Port 21: (FTP) File Transfer Protocol 
  • Computer Port 22: (SSH) SSH Remote Login Protocol 
  • Computer Port 23: Telnet Server
  • Computer Port 25: (SMTP) Simple Mail Transfer Protocol 
  • Computer Port 53: (DNS) Domain Name Server 
  • Computer Port 69: (TFTP)Trivial File Transfer Protocol 
  • Computer Port 70: Gopher
  • Computer Port 80: (HTTP) Hyper Text Transfer Protocol 
  • Computer Port 110: (POP3) Post Office Protocol 3 

Significant example of Telnet in University and Schools setup 

Telnet Protocol is used by research professors and students to “log in” into the university or school’s mainframe from any terminal in the connections.

This protocol can send a request of invitation to log on with User ID and will request you for the password if another computer accepts the request and would log in like any user. 

Telnet is a protocol that commands a line interface for communication within two Computers who connect remote devices or services. Sometimes its works for remote management as well as device setup like network hardware. 

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