Telnet is a network protocol used to connect to remote computers over the internet or local networks. It’s like making a phone call to another computer to use its applications or check information.
This guide will explain some common Telnet commands in a very simple way, suitable for anyone, including students in the 7th grade.
Telnet allows users to connect to another computer remotely. It’s mostly used by administrators to control web servers and network devices from afar.
Basic Telnet Commands
Here are some of the basic commands you will use in Telnet:
1. How to Start a Telnet Session
Command: telnet [hostname or IP] [port]
Explanation: Replace [hostname or IP] with the address of the computer you want to connect to. Replace [port] with the network port you want to use. The default port for Telnet is 23.
2. Exiting Telnet
Command: quit
Explanation: This command ends your Telnet session.
3. Displaying Connection Information
Command: status
Explanation: Use this command to see information about your current Telnet connection.
4. Sending Your Location
Command: send location
Explanation: This command sends the location of your computer to the host you are connected to.
5. Logging Out
Command: logout
Explanation: This command logs you out of the remote computer but keeps the Telnet session open.
List of some common Telnet Commands
Here’s a list of some common Telnet commands that are useful when managing connections to remote computers:
Command
Explanation
open [hostname or IP] [port]
Connects to a remote host where [hostname or IP] is the address of the remote computer, and [port] is the port number.
close
Closes the current connection without exiting Telnet.
quit
Exits the Telnet client altogether.
status
Shows the status of the current Telnet session.
logout
Logs out from the remote system but keeps the Telnet session open.
set [option]
Sets Telnet client options; for example, set localecho to see what you type.
unset [option]
Removes certain Telnet options, reversing the set command.
send interrupt
Sends an interrupt process signal to the remote host.
send ao
Aborts the output from the remote host.
send ayt
Checks if the remote host is still responding.
send break
Sends a break signal to the remote host.
mode [type]
Sets the mode of the Telnet client (e.g., ASCII, binary). Useful for specifying the type of data transfer.
display
Shows the current settings or parameters of the Telnet session.
auth enable
Enables authentication mode, which requests credentials from the user to access the remote server.
auth disable
Disables the authentication requirement for the session.
z
Suspends the Telnet session, allowing you to perform other tasks without closing the connection.
resume
Resumes a suspended Telnet session.
send synch
Synchronizes the Telnet session, useful for ensuring proper timing and operation within the session.
set escape [character]
Defines a special character that allows the user to return to command mode from a Telnet session.
set log [file path]
Starts logging the Telnet session to a specified file, useful for debugging or record-keeping.
unset log
Stops logging the Telnet session.
These commands provide a foundation for initiating and managing Telnet connections, also control and flexibility, configuring session parameters, and performing basic network troubleshooting.
By understanding these basic Telnet commands and how they are used, you can start managing remote computers more effectively. Remember, while Telnet is powerful, it’s important to consider more secure alternatives for confidential or critical communications.
FAQs About Telnet Commands
What is Telnet used for?
Telnet is used to connect to and manage remote computers, allowing users to execute commands as if they were physically present at the computer.
Is Telnet secure?
Telnet is not considered secure because it transmits data, including passwords, in plain text. It’s recommended to use more secure protocols like SSH (Secure Shell) for sensitive connections.
Can I use Telnet on all operating systems?
Telnet can be used on most operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux. However, it may need to be enabled or installed as a feature.
What does the ‘port’ mean in the Telnet command?
A port in Telnet is like a door through which your computer communicates with the remote computer. Different services on a computer listen on different ports.
How do I know if I’m connected to the remote computer?
After entering the Telnet command, if the connection is successful, you will see a welcome message or a login prompt from the remote computer.
