Explaining the Telnet Protocol in Detail

The Telnet protocol is a network protocol used on the Internet or local area networks to provide a bidirectional interactive text-oriented communication facility using a virtual terminal connection. It allows a user on one computer to log into another computer that is part of the same network, as if they were sitting at the remote machine.

Key Features of Telnet Protocol:

• Provides remote access and control of computers
• Uses a client-server model
• Transmits data in clear text format
• Runs on TCP port 23

How Telnet Works:

When a user initiates a Telnet session, a connection is established between the client and the server. The user can then enter commands on the client-side, which are transmitted to the server for execution. The server's responses are sent back to the client for display.

Significance in Networking:

Telnet is widely used for troubleshooting network-related issues, configuring network devices, and remotely managing servers. However, its use has declined in favor of more secure protocols like SSH (Secure Shell) due to Telnet's lack of encryption, making it susceptible to eavesdropping attacks.