Telnet is primarily used for accessing remote computer systems, but it has other uses as well.
Primary Use: Remote Access
The main function of Telnet is to enable terminal emulation programs that allow you to log into a remote host. This means you can control and interact with a computer system from a different location as if you were sitting right in front of it.
Other Uses of Telnet
Beyond simple remote access, Telnet has some additional uses:
- Terminal-to-terminal communication: Telnet can be used for direct communication between two terminals.
- Interprocess communication: It can also facilitate communication between different processes running on the same or different machines.
- Protocol control channel: As the reference notes, Telnet is also used by other protocols like FTP for establishing a control channel.
Table summarizing Telnet uses
| Use Case | Description |
|---|---|
| Remote Host Login | Accessing and controlling a computer from a remote location. |
| Terminal-to-Terminal Comm. | Direct communication between two terminals. |
| Interprocess Communication | Enabling processes to communicate, whether on the same or different machines. |
| Protocol Control Channel | Used by other protocols like FTP to establish a control connection. |
