CompTIA Network+ (N10-009)Networking ConceptsMedium
A network administrator needs to remotely manage a switch's command-line interface over an encrypted connection to prevent credentials from being sent in cleartext. Which port should the administrator use?
- ATCP 80
- BTCP 22
- CUDP 69
- DTCP 23
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. TCP 22
SSH (Secure Shell) uses TCP port 22 and provides encrypted remote CLI access, unlike Telnet (TCP 23), which transmits data including credentials in cleartext.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. TCP 80 is used by HTTP for unencrypted web traffic, not CLI management.
- C. UDP 69 is used by TFTP for file transfers, not remote CLI access.
- D. TCP 23 is used by Telnet, which sends data unencrypted.
SSH (Port 22)
SSH is a secure protocol using TCP port 22 that provides encrypted remote command-line access to network devices and servers.
- TCP port 22
- Encrypts entire session including login credentials
- Replaces insecure Telnet (port 23)
Memory trick: SSH = 'Secure Shell, port 22' - lock the door before you walk in remotely.