What is reverse Telnet (direct Telnet)? - Definition from Whatis.com

Definition

reverse Telnet (direct Telnet)

Reverse Telnet (sometimes called direct Telnet) is the initiation of a Telnet session from a computer system to one of its remote users. Usually, a Telnet session is initiated by a user who wishes to access and share resources on a remote computer system. The user must have permission and is prompted to provide a user name and password. Reverse Telnet is when the host computer initiates a Telnet session instead of accepting one.

Reverse Telnet is typically used by a system administrator to configure or to troubleshoot a remote computer.

Contributor(s): Shan Ali Khan
This was last updated in February 2001

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