Internet vs. Telnet — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 26, 2024
The Internet is a global network of computers and servers, whereas Telnet is a protocol used for accessing remote computers.
Difference Between Internet and Telnet
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
The Internet represents a vast network infrastructure that connects millions of computers globally, allowing for data exchange and access to a myriad of services like email, web browsing, and more. On the other hand, Telnet is a specific protocol used within this network to enable a user to log into and manage remote computers, typically via a command-line interface.
From a technological perspective, the Internet utilizes a complex suite of protocols, including TCP/IP for routing and delivering data across different networks. Whereas, Telnet, which also uses TCP/IP, is specifically designed for remote command execution on another computer over the network, but without any encryption for security.
Security is a major differentiating factor; the Internet as a whole has evolved with various security measures such as SSL/TLS for encryption. Telnet, however, is inherently insecure because it transmits data, including passwords, in plaintext, making it susceptible to interception and eavesdropping.
While the Internet supports a wide array of activities and services, from streaming videos to conducting financial transactions, Telnet is primarily used for administering systems remotely or for running specific programs on other computers, though it has largely been replaced by more secure methods like SSH in many use cases.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Global network connecting various devices
Protocol for remote computer access
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Primary Use
Data exchange, services access
Remote computer management
Security
Enhanced with encryption protocols
Lacks encryption; not secure
Protocol Suite
Uses multiple protocols like TCP/IP
Uses TCP/IP for remote command execution
Common Applications
Web browsing, email, streaming
System administration, remote operation
Compare with Definitions
Internet
The Internet serves as a massive information source.
The Internet provides access to news from around the world.
Telnet
Telnet operates primarily through a command-line interface.
Administrators often use Telnet for server maintenance.
Internet
The Internet offers services such as online banking and shopping.
Online shopping on the Internet has become increasingly popular.
Telnet
Telnet is used for network administration tasks.
Using Telnet, she could troubleshoot the remote server issues.
Internet
The Internet is a worldwide system of interconnected computer networks.
She used the Internet to research her paper.
Telnet
Telnet was one of the early Internet protocols developed.
Telnet has been largely replaced by more secure protocols like SSH.
Internet
The Internet facilitates digital communication like email and messaging.
He stayed in touch through the Internet while overseas.
Telnet
Telnet is a protocol used for accessing remote computers.
He used Telnet to connect to the university's mainframe.
Internet
The Internet allows access to various forms of multimedia.
Streaming movies and music through the Internet is now commonplace.
Telnet
Telnet is known for its lack of security measures.
Telnet sessions are vulnerable to eavesdropping because they are not encrypted.
Internet
The Internet (or internet) is the global system of interconnected computer networks that uses the Internet protocol suite (TCP/IP) to communicate between networks and devices. It is a network of networks that consists of private, public, academic, business, and government networks of local to global scope, linked by a broad array of electronic, wireless, and optical networking technologies.
Telnet
Telnet is an application protocol used on the Internet or local area network to provide a bidirectional interactive text-oriented communication facility using a virtual terminal connection. User data is interspersed in-band with Telnet control information in an 8-bit byte oriented data connection over the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP).
Internet
A publicly accessible system of networks that connects computers around the world via the TCP/IP protocol.
Telnet
Also Telnet An internet communications protocol that enables a computer to function as a terminal working from a remote computer.
Internet
Alternative case form of Internet
Telnet
A program that implements this protocol.
Internet
(uncountable) Internet access or connection; internet connectivity.
Do you have internet at your place? My internet is down and I want to check my email.
Hello everyone, this is your daily dose of internet.
Telnet
To access an account over the internet using the telnet protocol
Telnetted from her work computer to her university account.
Internet
(countable)
Telnet
(computing) A network protocol that enables one computer to communicate with another via the Internet; the program that acts as the client in this situation
Internet
Any set of computer networks that communicate using the Internet Protocol; an intranet.
Telnet
To use such a program to make such a connection
Internet
A fictitious unit of scoring awarded for making outstanding posts on the internet.
Internet
To use the Internet; specifically, to search for information using the Internet.
Having no idea what that means, I am internetting like mad.
Internet
To entwine or link (several things) together, so as to form a network; to interconnect, to network.
Internet
To connect (a computer, an electronic device, etc.) into a computer network (in particular, the Internet).
Internet
A large network{3} of numerous computers connected through a number of major nodes of high-speed computers having high-speed communications channels between the major nodes, and numerous minor nodes allowing electronic communication among millions of computers around the world; - usually referred to as the internet. It is the basis for the World-Wide Web.
Internet
A computer network consisting of a worldwide network of computer networks that use the TCP/IP network protocols to facilitate data transmission and exchange
Common Curiosities
Can Telnet be used over the Internet?
Yes, Telnet can be used over the Internet to access remote systems, though it is not recommended due to security concerns.
What is Telnet used for?
Telnet is used for remotely accessing and managing computers, typically via a command-line interface.
Why is Telnet considered insecure?
Telnet is considered insecure because it transmits all data, including login credentials, in plaintext, which can be easily intercepted.
How can one enhance security while using Telnet?
Enhancing security while using Telnet includes measures like implementing VPNs or replacing it with SSH for encrypted communications.
What is the main purpose of the Internet?
The main purpose of the Internet is to facilitate global communication and information exchange across interconnected networks.
Why is the Internet considered secure?
The Internet supports encryption protocols like SSL/TLS, enhancing security for data transmission.
What has replaced Telnet for secure communications?
SSH (Secure Shell) has largely replaced Telnet for secure remote access due to its robust encryption features.
How does the Internet support various services?
The Internet supports various services through different protocols like HTTP for web browsing and SMTP for email.
Is Telnet still used today?
While less common, Telnet is still used in some environments, particularly where security is not a primary concern.
What is the impact of the Internet on modern life?
The Internet has profoundly impacted modern life by enabling instant access to information, facilitating global communication, and supporting a plethora of services and technologies.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
