Today, wireless connections have become the basis of communication between devices. However, for some specific uses, cable connectivity is still essential. In both wireless and wired connections, communication protocols are used. This is due to the imperative need to standardize the language used by the devices involved in a connection.

In this article, we will talk about a protocol known as Telnet. Also, we will answer questions such as what is a communications protocol, what is Telnet and what is its history and how you can activate it in Windows 10. Finally, we will mention what Telnet can be used for. If you are a fan of the world of networks or passionate about computing in general, this is your article.

Let's take an example to understand exactly what a communications protocol is. We can think of the transmission of data by semaphore that is used in maritime navigation. This is made up of a series of flags and signs that are translated into a unified and standardized language.

In the case at hand, that of networked computer systems, a communications protocol is the common language used by two devices to establish a connection and transfer data. A protocol also has the purpose of verifying different points so that the connection is successful.

For example, you must first check that both devices are properly prepared to make the connection and if they are within range. The protocols also serve to establish security parameters. This translates into much more secure, effective, and efficient connections.

The protocols can be divided into at least 7 layers depending on the end goal you have. For example, we have protocols at the physical level, such as fiber optic cable. We also have them at the network level, such as the IP, IPX, or AppleTalk protocol. Others are at the session level, such as SSL and, of course, some are perhaps better known, such as HTTP, FTP, POP3, and SMTP, which we find at the application level. This entire classification is known as the OSI model.

What is Telnet?

Telnet is a communication protocol that sets the parameters for one computer to access another remotely. About what we discussed earlier, Telnet is at the application level layer. This is because its final use is focused on giving access to applications, whether the user or not, to the services of the rest of the layers.

The operation of Telnet is very simple. It is necessary to clarify that Telnet only works from a command terminal, that is, without a graphical interface. Its main utility lies in the fact that it allows remote assistance and repair errors from another terminal without the need to be physically present.

Today, the use of Telnet has been detrimental. This is mainly due to its poor security. For example, this protocol does not encrypt highly important information such as usernames or passwords, which are sent as plain text. Therefore, any user acting as a spy within the network can extract these credentials very easily. Today, Telnet has been almost entirely replaced by SSH, which is essentially a security-enhanced version of Telnet.

Despite this, Telnet is still present in modern operating systems. How to activate Telnet in Windows 10? We explain it to you at below,

Telnet is not enabled by default in Windows. A specific process is required to activate this function within the system. First, go to Control Panel > Programs> Add or Remove Windows Features. You can also find such an option by searching and typing "features".

Once you click on "Add or remove Windows features", you must search the list of Windows applications and optional items until you find the Telnet Client option. Mark the almost and then click OK. At that moment, Windows will begin to install Telnet on our computer, downloading the necessary files. Once we have followed these steps, the Telnet feature will be available on our Windows 10 PC.

It is important to note, again, the low security offered by this protocol. Therefore, we must bear in mind that from the moment it is activated in our system, we will have opened a small security breach in our PC. Therefore, it is only recommended to use it if it is strictly necessary.

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Enabling The Telnet Client. To enable Telnet Client on Windows 10, follow these steps...