What is TCP port 995? An easy-to-understand explanation of the basic concepts of Internet communication

Explanation of IT Terms

What is TCP Port 995?

TCP Port 995 is a well-known port number used in the field of Internet communication. In the realm of computer networking, ports are virtual communication endpoints that allow different applications to exchange data over the Internet.

Specifically, TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) is one of the core protocols of the Internet Protocol Suite. It facilitates reliable, ordered, and error-checked delivery of data from one computer to another over an IP network.

Now, let’s dive into the details of TCP Port 995.

Secure POP3 Email Protocol

TCP Port 995 is assigned to the Secure POP3 (Post Office Protocol version 3) email protocol. POP3 is an internet standard protocol used for retrieving emails from a remote mail server. It allows email clients (such as Outlook or Thunderbird) to download emails from a mail server to a local machine.

The significance of TCP Port 995 arises from the fact that it is the port designated for secure communication using the Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) or Transport Layer Security (TLS) protocols. This security layer ensures that the data exchanged between the email client and the server remains encrypted and cannot be intercepted by unauthorized entities.

How TCP Port 995 Works

When an email client (e.g., Outlook) establishes a connection to a POP3 server using TCP Port 995, the client first initiates a TCP handshake with the server. This handshake ensures that both parties are ready to communicate securely.

Once the connection is established, the email client requests authentication by sending the appropriate commands. The server then responds, prompting the client to provide the appropriate credentials (e.g., username and password) to access the email account.

After successful authentication, the email client can issue various commands to retrieve and manage emails stored on the server. Commands include listing emails, downloading messages, marking emails as read, and deleting messages.

Throughout this process, TCP Port 995 ensures that all data transmitted between the client and the server is protected from eavesdropping and tampering.

Conclusion

In conclusion, TCP Port 995 plays a vital role in enabling secure communication between email clients and servers using the POP3 protocol. Its association with SSL or TLS protocols ensures that sensitive email data remains protected during transmission.

Understanding TCP Port 995 is essential for IT professionals, as it allows them to configure firewalls, implement secure email communication, and troubleshoot any issues that may arise.

By appreciating the underlying nature of TCP Port 995 and its significance in Internet communication, we can better comprehend the intricate workings of the digital world we navigate daily.

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