Computer Network Tutorial

Introduction of Computer Network Types of Computer Network Network Topology Computer Networking Architecture Transmission Modes (Data Flow) Basic Networking Devices Integrate Services Digital Network (ISDN)

Model

OSI Model TCP/IP Model

Physical Layer

Digital Transmission Analog Transmission Transmission Media Switching

Data Link Layer

Error detection and Error correction Data Link Control Multiple Access Aloha

Network Layer

Network Layer - Logical Address Address Mapping Unicast Routing Protocol

Transport Layer

Process to Process Delivery User Datagram Protocol Transmission Control Protocol Stream Control Transmission Protocol Session Layer and Presentation Layer

Application Layer

Domain Name System Application Protocol E-mail Cryptography

Misc

Classes of Routing Protocols Classification of Routing Algorithms Controlled Access Protocols in Computer Networks Differences between IPv4 and IPv6 Fixed and Flooding Routing Algorithms Advantages and Disadvantages of Fibre Optics Cable APIPA Difference between Active and Passive FTP Fiber Optics and its Types Method of Joining and Fusion of Fiber Optic Cable Define Framing in Computer Network Disadvantages of Computer Network Mesh Topology Diagram in Computer Network Ring Topology in Computer Network Star Topology in Computer Networks 4G Mobile Communication Technology Advantages and Disadvantages of LAN Advantages and Disadvantages of MAN Advantages and Disadvantages of WAN Application Layer in OSI Model Cyclic Redundancy Check Example Data link layer in OSI model Difference between Transport and Network Layer Hamming Code Example Network Layer in OSI Model Session Layer in OSI Model Transport Layer in OSI Model Two Port Network in Computer Networks Uses of Computer Networks What is Computer Network What is Framing in a Computer Network Advantages and Disadvantages of Bus Topology Difference between Star Topology and Bus Topology Subnetting in Computer Network Subnetting Questions and Answers What is Bus Topology What is Network Topology and Types in Computer Networks Access Control in Networking Basic Characteristics of Computer Network Benefits of SOCKS5 Proxy in Computer Networks Computer Network viva Questions Difference between BOOTP and RARP Difference Between Network Topologies and Network Protocols Difference between NFC and RFID Difference Between Point-to-Point Link and star Topology Network Differences Between MSS and MTU Differences Between Trunk Port and Access Port Different Modes of Communication in Computer Networks MIME Protocol in Computer Networks Modes of Communication in Computer Networks Network Attack in Computer Network Port Address in Networking Simplest Protocol in Computer Network Sliding Window Protocol in Computer Network Stop And Wait Protocol in Computer Networks TCP 3-Way Handshake Process in Computer Networks What is a Proxy Server What is APPN What is ICMP Protocol What is Point-to-Point Protocol What is Port Address in Networking What is the HDLC Protocol What is VRRP Protocol Difference Between Analog and Digital Signals Difference Between Hub and Repeater Difference between Repeater and Switch Difference Between Transparent Bridge and Source Routing Bridge Source Routing Bridge in Computer Networks Transparent Bridge in Computer Networks Transport Protocol in Computer Networks Types of CSMA in Computer Networks What is Wired and Wireless Networking Network Security in Computer Network Disadvantages of Extranet Difference Between TELNET and FTP Define Protocol in Computer Networks Guided Transmission Media in Computer Network What is a Gateway in a Computer Network IGMP in Computer Networks LAN Protocols in Computer Networks MAN Meaning in Computer Modulation Techniques in Computer Networks Switching in DCN TCP/IP Applications What is IGMP? What is Modem in Networking What is Non-Persistent CSMA Difference between Cell Splitting and Cell Sectoring Forouzen Computer Network

Port Address in Networking

A port is a logical concept used in computer networking that identifies a particular activity or service active on a computer system. When data is transmitted over a network, it is important to know which process or service the data is intended for. Port addresses help in the identification of the appropriate process or service on the receiving end. In this article, we will discuss port addresses in networking, including their definition, their uses, and the different types of port addresses.

What is a Port Address?

In Computer networking, a port address is a number that designates a particular process or service that is active on a computer system. It is a logical construct that is used to direct data to the appropriate process or service on the receiving end of a network connection. Port addresses are used in combination with IP addresses to create a unique address that is used to identify a specific process or service on a network.

Uses of Port Addresses

Port addresses are used in a variety of ways in computer networking. Data transfer through a network is one of their main purposes. When data is transmitted over a network, it is important to know which process or service the data is intended for. Port addresses help in the identification of the appropriate process or service on the receiving end. This ensures that the data is directed to the correct location and that the intended process or service is able to receive and process the data.

The setting of network appliances like routers and firewalls is another application for port addresses. To send communication to particular network devices, these devices utilise port addresses. For example, a router might use port addresses to direct web traffic to a specific web server on a network, while a firewall might use port addresses to block or allow specific types of traffic on a network.

Types of Port Addresses

Ephemeral ports and well-known ports are the two different kinds of port addresses.

Well-Known Ports

Port numbers given to particular services or procedures by the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) are known as well-known ports. These port numbers are reserved for use by specific services or processes and are used to ensure that data is directed to the appropriate process or service on the receiving end.

Some examples of well-known ports include:

  • Port 80: This is the port number used for HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) traffic. Web pages are transmitted over the internet via HTTP.
  • Port 443: This is the port number used for HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) traffic. When sending sensitive data over the internet, HTTPS, a secure version of HTTP, is utilised.
  • Port 25: This is the port number used for SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) traffic. SMTP is used for transmitting email over the internet.
  • Port 53: This is the port number used for DNS (Domain Name System) traffic. Domain names are converted to IP addresses via DNS.

Ephemeral Ports

Ephemeral ports are port numbers that are assigned dynamically by a computer system for use in a specific network connection. Ephemeral ports are used to ensure that each network connection is unique and that data is directed to the appropriate process or service on the receiving end.

To generate a special address that is used to identify a particular activity or service on a network, ephemeral ports are combined with well-known ports. For example, when a client connects to a web server using HTTP, the client is assigned an ephemeral port number that is used to identify the specific network connection. The server uses the well-known port number 80 to receive HTTP traffic and the client's ephemeral port number to direct the traffic to the appropriate process or service on the server.

Conclusion

Port addresses are a critical component of computer networking. They are used to ensure that data is directed to the appropriate process or service on the receiving end of a network connection. By using port addresses, network devices can route traffic to specific devices or services on a network, which is essential for maintaining the integrity and security of a network.

It is important to note that port addresses are just one component of network addressing. IP addresses are also used to locate devices on a network in addition to port addresses. Together, port addresses and IP addresses create a unique network address that is used to direct data to the appropriate device or service.

Port addresses can be thought of as a type of virtual door that allows data to be directed to specific processes or services on a computer system. Without port addresses, data would be unable to reach its intended destination, which would lead to a breakdown in communication on a network.

In summary, port addresses are a critical component of computer networking. They are used to direct data to the appropriate process or service on a network and are essential for maintaining the integrity and security of a network. Ephemeral ports and well-known ports are the two different kinds of port addresses. While ephemeral ports are dynamically assigned for usage in certain network connections, well-known ports are reserved for use by particular services or processes. Together, port addresses and IP addresses create a unique network address that is used to direct data to the appropriate device or service.