How does telnet command differ between distributions?

The telnet command is used to communicate with remote systems over a network. While its core functionality remains consistent across Linux distributions, variations may exist in terms of installation methods, default configurations, and support for certain features. Here’s a closer look at how the telnet command differs between popular Linux distributions.

Installation

In some distributions, telnet may not be installed by default, while others may include it. For example, in Debian-based systems, you can install it using:

Security Considerations

Certain distributions may have stronger recommendations against using telnet due to security vulnerabilities. For instance, Red Hat-based distributions often promote the use of ssh (Secure Shell) instead of telnet for secure communications.

Default Port

The default port used by telnet is usually 23, but some distributions may allow you to configure different ports depending on the network services available.

Feature Support

Some Linux distributions may have additional options or flags available for the telnet command that could be utilized for enhanced functionality, while others may stick with the standard specifications.