A port is a virtual point where network connections start and end. Ports are software-based and managed by a computer's operating system . A port is associated with a specific process or service (Internet Browsing, Email, VoIP etc.) Ports allow a single host with a single IP address to run network services. Each port number identifies a distinct service . Each host can have 65535 ports per IP address. Ports are regulated by the Internet Corporation for Assigning Names and Numbers ( ICANN ). By ICANN there are three categories for ports: From 0 to 1023 – well known ports assigned to common protocols and services From 1024 to 49151 – registered ports assigned by ICANN to a specific service From 49152 to 65 535 – dynamic (private, high) ports range from 49,152 to 65,535. Ports can be used by any service on an ad hoc basis . Ports are assigned when a session is established , and released when the session ends. ...
