In the past, Telnet was mostly used for remote access to UNIX servers via the network. Any computer in the network can use a Telnet application (Telnet client) for remote access to another computer (Telnet server).
Today, Telnet is also used to configure network components such as COM servers, for example. Under TCP/IP, Telnet is normally addressed via port number 23, but other port numbers may also be used for special applications. Telnet uses TCP/IP as a communications and security protocol.
Telnet features and parameters in the DOS window:
- TELNET <IP address>
A Telnet connection is made to port 23 of the Telnet server stated through the IP address. - TELNET <address> <Port No.>
A Telnet connection is made to the stated port of the Telnet server stated through the IP address.
Example:
TELNET 172.16.205.49 1111
A Telnet connection is made to Port 1111 of the Telnet server with IP address 172.16.205.49.
In the Windows environment, the addressing parameters for Telnet connections are entered in the menu <Connect/Network system>. In the dialogue box, the IP address of the Telnet server is entered under "Hostname"; the required port number is entered under "Connection". The prescribed entry "Telnet" corresponds to port number 23.