What is Telnet? Best Telnet Server Software for 2025
Table of Contents
- What is Telnet?
- How Does Telnet Work?
- Uses of Telnet in Modern Times
- Telnet vs SSH: Why Security Matters
- Pros and Cons of Telnet
- Top Telnet Server Software in 2025
- Is Telnet Still Relevant in 2025?
- FAQs About Telnet
What is Telnet?
Imagine you're sitting at home, sipping coffee, but still able to control a remote server sitting miles away — all from a terminal window. That’s the magic of Telnet.
Telnet, short for Teletype Network, is a network protocol used on the Internet or local area networks to provide a bidirectional interactive text-based communication facility using a virtual terminal connection. It's one of the oldest forms of remote login services that pre-date modern secure options like SSH.
Telnet was initially designed for administrators to manage servers remotely, allowing full access via command-line interface. It was popular in the 80s and 90s before secure alternatives emerged. Yet even today, it plays a niche but important role in network testing, education, and legacy systems.
How Does Telnet Work?
Telnet operates using a client-server model. When a user wants to connect to a remote machine, the Telnet client initiates a connection on TCP port 23. Once the connection is established, the client can send commands that are executed on the server as if the user was physically present.
The simplicity of Telnet lies in its transparency—each keystroke is sent over the connection and echoed back, making it almost real-time. However, this transparency also leads to a huge downside: lack of encryption. All data, including login credentials, is sent in plain text.
Uses of Telnet in Modern Times
While Telnet might sound outdated, it still finds its place in several areas:
- Testing Network Services: Telnet is often used to test port connectivity and server responsiveness.
- Education: Networking students often use Telnet to understand client-server interactions.
- Legacy System Access: Some old systems still rely on Telnet for remote administration.
Related: What is SSH and Top SSH Server Software
Telnet vs SSH: Why Security Matters
One of the most frequent comparisons in networking is between Telnet and SSH (Secure Shell). While both are used for remote command-line access, SSH provides encrypted and secure communication, making it the preferred choice in modern environments.
Telnet is useful in controlled or internal environments where encryption isn't necessary, but for anything exposed to the public Internet, SSH is the better option due to its encryption and key management features.
Pros and Cons of Telnet
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Simple to set up and use | No encryption; not secure |
| Great for learning network basics | Not suitable for public internet |
| Helpful for port and service testing | Transmits usernames and passwords in plain text |
| Lightweight and fast | Limited functionality compared to modern tools |
Top Telnet Server Software in 2025
Here’s a list of top Telnet server software still relevant and maintained as of 2025:
1. Microsoft Telnet Server (Windows)
Included in older Windows Server editions and can be installed manually on some newer versions. Not enabled by default for security reasons.
2. xinetd + telnetd (Linux)
Linux systems often use telnetd in combination with xinetd to manage connections. It’s open-source and customizable.
3. Krb5 Telnet Server
A Telnet server implementation that supports Kerberos authentication. Adds a layer of security over traditional Telnet.
4. SolarWinds Telnet Server
SolarWinds offers a free Telnet server tool that’s easy to configure and useful for testing remote connections and embedded systems.
5. Cisco Telnet Support
Many Cisco network devices support Telnet out of the box for remote CLI access. Used mainly within internal trusted networks.
6. PuTTY Telnet (Client/Server)
PuTTY is a versatile tool that supports Telnet (and SSH). Though mainly a client, it can be configured in server mode for diagnostics.
Is Telnet Still Relevant in 2025?
While most modern systems have moved on to secure alternatives like SSH, Telnet still lives on. Its speed, simplicity, and compatibility with legacy systems keep it alive in certain use cases.
However, it’s crucial to note that if you're handling sensitive data, you should avoid Telnet or at least encapsulate it in a secure tunnel. For private or academic networks, Telnet is a lightweight and quick option.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Telnet still used today?
Yes, but mostly in educational settings, for testing, or in closed internal networks where security risks are minimal.
2. What port does Telnet use?
By default, Telnet uses TCP port 23.
3. Can I use Telnet on Windows 10 or 11?
Yes, but you may need to enable it manually through Control Panel → Programs → Turn Windows Features On or Off → Telnet Client.
4. What is the main drawback of Telnet?
It transmits data in plain text, including usernames and passwords, making it insecure over public networks.
5. What are good alternatives to Telnet?
SSH is the most secure and recommended alternative to Telnet.
Conclusion
Telnet might seem like a relic of the past, but like many foundational technologies, it still holds educational and diagnostic value. In a world increasingly focused on encryption and privacy, Telnet reminds us of where we started and how far we’ve come in securing remote access.
If you're working with legacy systems, learning networking basics, or performing quick internal tests, Telnet might still have a place in your toolkit. But for production systems or sensitive environments, transitioning to secure alternatives like SSH is not just smart—it's necessary.
Thank you for reading! For more networking and cybersecurity guides, check out our other posts at Xpert4Cyber.