Every port on your computer has its specific functions. But what is a port checker? And why is it essential? A port scanner is a web-based tool to check the status and availability of every port on your device.
It offers a reliable and swift result in no time. The best part? It is a free tool that is available to all users. So, the next time you want to check the availability of any port, this tool will be of help.
Keep on reading to know more about this handy tool.
Defining a Port
What is a port? Why is it essential?
The term port is used in computer networking. A port is an area where different networks’ connections start and end. A computer’s operating system deals with the port and is software based.
Every separate port is connected to a specific service or task. It is commonly used for specifying a particular function at the software level.
So, why are ports important?
A port helps in identifying and differentiating web traffic. For example, web traffic lands on a separate port, and email traffic on a separate one. Port 25 is for email, while port 80 is for web-based traffic. A computer using a single network connection also has individual ports for different data traffic.
Whenever a packet enters a network, its deaders define which port to go to. Every network request asks for a port, IP, and protocol to fulfill the request’s network address and destination.
Every PC has two types of ports for the network, which are:
- TCP ( Transmission control protocol) port
- UDP ( user datagram protocol) port
What’s a Port Scanner
A port scanner or a port checker is an online tool to see the availability and status of ports on your machines. Did you know the research states that ports are the most common and vulnerable ways hackers exploit users and break into services?
A port scanner is a free web-based tool that users can use for unlimited searches. Moreover, it doesn’t require any app installation or registration process to start. The best part? It is highly reliable and provides accurate results in no time.
How to Use a Port Checker
The port checker scanners are the ports of standard machines like Windows services, Ubuntu servers, games, and other software. To use the online port checker, follow these steps:
- Go to the port checker tool mentioned above.
- The port checker will launch and be ready to use.
- The tool has some persimmon ports already available. Put in your IP address or domain name to check which ones are open, active, and accepting requests for the specific IP or domain.
- Users can also define the custom ports and check if they are open and active.
- Press start to begin the checking process. The checker will instantly show the available ports.
- If the ports are open, it’ll show ‘Open,’ If they’re not, it’ll display ‘timed out.’
Remember to swiftly check the typical port number and enter the ones you want to study. If you correctly put in the right port number, it will show a good result and might delay your work.
It will swiftly identify open ports in your PC system. In addition, it will quickly show which ports are available for communication. The current status of ports is defined in three ways, which are:
Open
Open or accepted means that the specific port is accessible for traffic.
Closed
Closed or not listening means that a particular port is currently in use and not available.
Dropped/Blocked/Filtered
Blocked means that the port has closed off all the traffic and is not accepting any requests or responding.
Importance of Ports in Online Gaming
In online games, ports are essential because they enable data transmission between the game server and the player’s PC. Information is transported by ports, which are virtual channels.
Data is continuously delivered and received between the player’s computer and the game server when playing online games. The player’s activities, game events, and other updates are all included in this data. This data is transported smoothly and effectively thanks to ports.
If the required ports are closed and misconfigured, online games may have lag, connection problems, etc. These issues can have a detrimental effect on the user experience. This is especially true for online games.
Players should be aware of the ports their game needs open and ensure they are correctly set up. Different games may call for other ports to be open. Usually, this can be accomplished by changing the router or firewall’s settings.
Game Ports
- 666 – Doom, the first online first-person shooter
- 1725 – Valve Steam Client
- 2302 – ArmA and Halo: Combat Evolved
- 3074 – Xbox Live or Games for Windows Live
- 3453 – PSC Update
- 3724 – World of Warcraft
- 4000 – Blizzard Battlenet, Diablo II, Command and Conquer Red Alert (UDP), Warcraft II (UDP), Tiberian Sun, Dune 2000 (UDP)
- 5154 – BZFlag
- 6112 – Guild Wars, Supreme Commander, Club Penguin Disney online game for kids, Warcraft II and III (Blizzard Downloader)
- 6113 – Club Penguin Disney online game for kids, Warcraft II and III (Blizzard Downloader)
- 6114- 6116 – Warcraft II and III (Blizzard Downloader). It also uses port 3724. IANA registered for XicTools License Manager Service.
- 6117 – Daylite Touch Sync, Warcraft II and III (Blizzard Downloader). It also uses port 3724.
- 6118 – 6119 – Warcraft II and III (Blizzard Downloader). It also uses port 3724.
- 6500 – Gamespy Arcade, Unreal, Tony Hawk, Warhammer, Star Wars, Civilization III and IV, BoKS Master, Command & Conquer
- 7777 – cbt
- 10093-10094 – Football Manager 2005/2006
- 12035 – Linden Lab viewer to sim on SecondLife
- 12036 – Second Life
- 12203 – Medal of Honor: Allied Assault Default Server Port
- 14567 – Battlefield 1942
- 25565 – Minecraft Dedicated Server (IANA official)
- 26000 – CCP’s EVE Online Online gaming MMORPG
- 27015 – GoldSrc and Source engine dedicated server port
- 27901–27910 – id Software’s Quake II master server
- 28000 – Tribes 2
- 28960 – Call of Duty; Call of Duty: United Offensive; Call of Duty 2; Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, Call of Duty: World at War (PC platform)
Conclusion
Ports are an essential part of every PC system. So, their availability and status are of utmost importance to users. An online port checker tool will help you understand the current situation of the ports available for a smooth online gaming experience.
