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Network Protocol Reference

Key network protocols with transport, ports, and purpose.

ProtocolTransport + PortPurpose
HTTPSTCP 443Encrypted web traffic
HTTPTCP 80Unencrypted web traffic
FTPTCP 20, 21File transfer, control + data
SSHTCP 22Secure remote login, tunnels
TelnetTCP 23Legacy unencrypted remote login
SMTPTCP 25, 587Sending and relaying email
DNSUDP/TCP 53Name resolution
DHCPUDP 67, 68Automatic IP assignment
TFTPUDP 69Simple file transfer, PXE boot
SNMPUDP 161, 162Device monitoring and traps
LDAPTCP 389Directory lookups, auth
SMBTCP 445Windows file/printer sharing
NFSTCP 2049Unix file sharing
RDPTCP 3389Windows remote desktop
SIPTCP/UDP 5060VoIP call signaling
BGPTCP 179Inter-domain routing
OSPFIP 89Interior link-state routing
ICMPIP 1Ping, errors, diagnostics
ARPLink layerIP-to-MAC resolution on LAN

How to read the result

Transport shows what carries the protocol: TCP for reliability, UDP for speed, IP numbers for network-layer protocols, link layer for ARP.

Example

DNS → UDP/TCP 53 → name resolution.

FAQ

Why does DNS use both TCP and UDP?

UDP 53 for fast queries, TCP 53 for large answers and zone transfers.

BGP vs OSPF?

BGP routes between autonomous systems on the internet; OSPF routes inside one network.