Commonly-used network ports

This is a list of network ports commonly used by applications that provide network services, like file sharing or remote desktop viewing. There are thousands of ports in use, so this table isn’t complete.

Port

Name

Description

5353/udp

mDNS, Avahi

Allows systems to find each other, and describe which services they offer, without you having to specify the details manually.

631/udp

Printing

Allows you to send print jobs to a printer over the network.

631/tcp

Printing

Allows you to share your printer with other people over the network.

5298/tcp

Presence

Allows you to advertise your instant messaging status to other people on the network, such as “online” or “busy”.

5900/tcp

Remote desktop

Allows you to share your desktop so other people can view it or provide remote assistance.

3689/tcp

Music sharing (DAAP)

Allows you to share your music library with others on your network.