hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
SSH Default Port 22 for CompTIA A+ 220-1201
A network administrator needs to allow secure remote administration of a router using SSH. The router is configured to use the default SSH port. Which port must be opened on the firewall?
Quick Answer
The answer is port 22. SSH, or Secure Shell, uses TCP port 22 by default to establish an encrypted tunnel for remote command-line administration, ensuring that all data—including login credentials—is protected from eavesdropping. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish secure protocols from insecure alternatives like Telnet (port 23) and to recall default port numbers for common services. A frequent trap is confusing SSH with SSL/TLS (port 443) or assuming SSH uses port 22 only for file transfers, when in fact it is primarily for secure shell access. Remember the mnemonic: “Secure Shell sits on 22” to lock in the default.
⚠ Common exam trap
In the CompTIA A+ exam, candidates often confuse SSH (port 22) with Telnet (port 23). Since the question specifies 'secure' remote administration, the correct answer is SSH port 22, not Telnet's unencrypted port 23.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
22
SSH (Secure Shell) operates on TCP port 22 by default. To allow secure remote administration of the router, the firewall must permit inbound TCP traffic on port 22. This enables encrypted management sessions, unlike Telnet which uses unencrypted port 23.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
22
Why this is correct
Port 22 is the default SSH port, used for secure remote administration.
- ✗
23
Why it's wrong here
Port 23 is Telnet, which is unencrypted and not secure.
- ✗
161
Why it's wrong here
Port 161 is SNMP, used for network management, not remote administration.
- ✗
443
Why it's wrong here
Port 443 is HTTPS, used for web-based management, not SSH.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Network Configuration: IP, DNS, DHCP
Key term
SSH
SSH (Secure Shell) is a cryptographic network protocol that provides secure, encrypted communication and remote administration between two devices over an unsecured network.
Key term
Telnet
Telnet is a network protocol that provides a bidirectional, interactive text-based communication session between two machines over a network, typically used for remote access and management of network devices.
About these practice questions
One of 972 original 220-1201 practice questions on Courseiva, each with a full explanation and wrong-answer analysis — not exam dumps or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Same concept, more angles
1 more way this is tested on 220-1201
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. A user needs to transfer files securely between two Linux servers over the internet. Which port should be allowed through the firewall for this purpose?
medium- A.21
- ✓ B.22
- C.20
- D.443
Why B: Secure file transfer between Linux servers typically uses SCP (Secure Copy) or SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol), both of which operate over SSH. SSH uses TCP port 22 by default, so allowing port 22 through the firewall enables encrypted authentication and data transfer. This is the correct choice because it provides confidentiality and integrity for the file transfer over the internet.
JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This 220-1201 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 220-1201 exam.