Port 2179 is primarily used for Microsoft RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol) specifically for virtual machines. This port enables specialized communication for remote desktop services within Microsoft's virtualization environments.
Primary Use of Port 2179
The Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA), which oversees global IP address allocation and root zone management, has assigned port 2179 to vmrdp, signifying "Microsoft RDP for virtual machines." This designation indicates a specific application of RDP tailored for interactions with virtualized operating systems or services.
Here's a breakdown of its assignment:
| Service Name | Port Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| vmrdp | 2179 | Microsoft RDP for virtual machines |
Understanding Microsoft RDP for Virtual Machines
Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) is a proprietary protocol developed by Microsoft that provides a user with a graphical interface to connect to another computer over a network connection. While the standard RDP port is 3389, port 2179 serves a distinct purpose within the Microsoft ecosystem, specifically for virtual machine interactions.
The use of a dedicated port like 2179 for "RDP for virtual machines" suggests a specialized communication channel that might be:
- Optimized for Virtual Environments: Potentially offering better performance or specific features when connecting to virtual machines rather than physical hosts.
- Internal to Specific Products: This port might be utilized by Microsoft virtualization technologies (e.g., Hyper-V components, specific Azure services, or System Center Virtual Machine Manager) for internal RDP-based communication or for managing guest virtual machines.
- Security Segmentation: Using a different port can sometimes help segment traffic or apply specific security policies different from those applied to general RDP traffic.
Network Configuration and Security Considerations
When dealing with any network port, understanding its role is crucial for network configuration and security:
- Firewall Rules: If Microsoft RDP for virtual machines needs to be accessible, network firewalls must be configured to allow traffic on port 2179, often alongside standard RDP on port 3389, depending on the specific use case.
- Security Best Practices:
- Least Privilege: Only open port 2179 on network segments where it is absolutely necessary.
- Access Control Lists (ACLs): Restrict access to specific IP addresses or subnets.
- Monitoring: Regularly monitor traffic on port 2179 for unusual activity, which could indicate unauthorized access attempts or misconfigurations.
- VPN/Secure Tunnels: Whenever possible, access services using port 2179 through a Virtual Private Network (VPN) or other secure tunneling methods to encrypt traffic and add an extra layer of security.
- Distinction from Standard RDP: It's important for administrators to recognize that port 2179 is distinct from the more commonly known RDP port 3389. While both relate to Remote Desktop, their specific applications and security contexts can differ.
For more information on registered port numbers, you can refer to the official Service Name and Transport Protocol Port Number Registry.
