N10-009 Networking Concepts Practice Question

Answer analysis

Option-by-option breakdown

For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.

• ✓

  HTTP: 80

  Why this is correct

  Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) is the foundational protocol for data communication on the World Wide Web. It operates by default on TCP port 80, enabling web browsers to request and receive web pages and other resources from web servers. This port facilitates unencrypted communication, making it a well-known standard for basic web traffic.

• ✓

  HTTPS: 443

  Why this is correct

  Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS) is the secure version of HTTP, utilizing Transport Layer Security (TLS) or its predecessor, Secure Sockets Layer (SSL), to encrypt communication. It exclusively uses TCP port 443 to establish secure connections between a client and a server, protecting data integrity and confidentiality during web transactions. This ensures sensitive information, like login credentials or payment details, remains private.

• ✓

  FTP: 21

  Why this is correct

  File Transfer Protocol (FTP) is a standard network protocol used for transferring computer files between a client and server on a computer network. Specifically, TCP port 21 is designated as the control port for FTP, handling commands, authentication, and session management. While data transfer typically occurs over a separate port (often 20 or a dynamic port), port 21 is crucial for initiating and managing the file transfer process.

• ✓

  SSH: 22

  Why this is correct

  Secure Shell (SSH) is a cryptographic network protocol for operating network services securely over an unsecured network. It uses TCP port 22 by default to establish a secure, encrypted connection, enabling remote command-line login, remote command execution, and secure file transfers (SFTP). SSH provides strong authentication and data encryption, making it a preferred method for secure remote administration.

• ✗

  HTTP: 443

  Why it's wrong here

  This pairing is incorrect because HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) operates over TCP port 80 for unencrypted web traffic. Port 443 is specifically reserved for HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure), which encrypts HTTP communication using TLS/SSL protocols. Attempting to access an HTTP service on port 443 would typically result in a connection error or a protocol mismatch, as the server would be expecting encrypted data.

• ✗

  FTP: 22

  Why it's wrong here

  This option is incorrect because FTP (File Transfer Protocol) uses TCP port 21 for its control channel and often port 20 for data transfer, or dynamic ports in passive mode. Port 22 is exclusively allocated to SSH (Secure Shell), a protocol designed for secure remote command-line access and secure file transfers (SFTP). Using port 22 for FTP would fail as the protocols are entirely different and incompatible.

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