Telnet vs. SSH — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 16, 2024
Telnet is an older, unencrypted protocol for remote communication, while SSH is a secure, encrypted protocol used for the same purpose.
Difference Between Telnet and SSH
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Telnet is one of the oldest protocols for remote communication and management of systems over a network. It allows users to connect to a remote device and control it as if they were directly logged into it. SSH (Secure Shell), on the other hand, is a more modern protocol designed to provide secure remote communication. Unlike Telnet, SSH encrypts all data transmitted between the client and the server, ensuring that sensitive information remains protected from interception and unauthorized access.
While Telnet operates on port 23 by default, SSH uses port 22. The lack of encryption in Telnet makes it unsuitable for modern secure communication needs, especially over the internet. SSH addresses this by providing strong encryption methods and authentication mechanisms.
Telnet is still occasionally used for testing and debugging in trusted networks, but its use in production environments has largely been replaced by SSH due to security concerns. SSH supports various authentication methods, including passwords, public key authentication, and two-factor authentication, making it a more versatile and secure choice.
Telnet offers basic, unencrypted communication suitable only for benign, trusted environments, while SSH provides a secure, encrypted communication channel suitable for a wide range of applications, including secure system administration and file transfers.
Comparison Chart
Encryption
None
Strong encryption
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Default Port
23
22
Security
Unsecure, data sent in plaintext
Secure, data sent encrypted
Use Cases
Basic remote communication, testing
Secure remote access, administration
Authentication
Simple username and password
Multiple methods (password, keys)
Compare with Definitions
Telnet
Operates over port 23 by default.
Telnet connections typically use port 23 unless specified otherwise.
Ssh
A secure protocol for encrypted remote communication.
SSH ensures that data between your computer and the server is encrypted.
Telnet
A command-line tool for network diagnostics.
You can use Telnet to test if a port is open on a remote server.
Ssh
Provides secure access to remote systems.
SSH is widely used for secure system administration tasks.
Telnet
An unencrypted protocol for remote communication.
Telnet allows you to connect to remote systems but transmits data in plaintext.
Ssh
Protects against various security threats.
SSH prevents eavesdropping and man-in-the-middle attacks by encrypting the data.
Telnet
Unsuitable for transmitting sensitive data.
Using Telnet for sending passwords is insecure because they are sent in plaintext.
Ssh
Supports multiple authentication methods.
SSH can use password, public key, or two-factor authentication for secure access.
Telnet
Telnet is an application protocol used on the Internet or local area network to provide a bidirectional interactive text-oriented communication facility using a virtual terminal connection. User data is interspersed in-band with Telnet control information in an 8-bit byte oriented data connection over the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP).
Ssh
Operates over port 22 by default.
The default port for SSH connections is 22.
Telnet
Also Telnet An internet communications protocol that enables a computer to function as a terminal working from a remote computer.
Ssh
Synonym of shush
Telnet
A program that implements this protocol.
Ssh
To use ssh to connect to a remote computer.
Telnet
To access an account over the internet using the telnet protocol
Telnetted from her work computer to her university account.
Ssh
A program and protocol for securely logging in to and running programs on remote machines across a network, with encryption to protect the transferred information and authentication to ensure that the remote machine is the one desired.
Telnet
(computing) A network protocol that enables one computer to communicate with another via the Internet; the program that acts as the client in this situation
Telnet
To use such a program to make such a connection
Telnet
Used for remote device management.
Network administrators used to rely on Telnet for managing network devices.
Common Curiosities
What is Telnet?
Telnet is an unencrypted protocol used for remote communication and management of systems.
Why is SSH considered secure?
SSH encrypts all data transmitted, protecting it from eavesdropping and unauthorized access.
What port does Telnet use by default?
Telnet uses port 23 by default.
What port does SSH use by default?
SSH uses port 22 by default.
What is SSH?
SSH is a secure protocol that encrypts communication between the client and server for remote access and management.
Can SSH be used for file transfers?
Yes, SSH can be used for secure file transfers through protocols like SFTP and SCP.
What are common use cases for Telnet?
Telnet is commonly used for basic remote communication, testing, and debugging in trusted networks.
What are common use cases for SSH?
SSH is used for secure remote access, system administration, and encrypted file transfers.
Can Telnet be used over the internet securely?
No, Telnet cannot be used securely over the internet because it lacks encryption.
How does Telnet transmit data?
Telnet transmits data in plaintext, making it vulnerable to interception.
Does SSH support multiple authentication methods?
Yes, SSH supports various authentication methods, including passwords, public keys, and two-factor authentication.
Why is SSH preferred over Telnet?
SSH is preferred over Telnet due to its strong encryption, secure authentication, and overall better security features.
Is Telnet suitable for transmitting sensitive data?
No, Telnet is unsuitable for transmitting sensitive data due to its lack of encryption.
Is Telnet still widely used?
Telnet is not widely used in production environments due to security concerns but is still used in some testing scenarios.
How does SSH enhance security?
SSH enhances security by encrypting data and using robust authentication mechanisms to prevent unauthorized access.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
