What does telnet allow you to do?

Telnet is a protocol used for accessing remote computers and network devices over a network. When using Telnet, a user can connect to another device and manage it via a command line interface. This functionality allows for configuration, troubleshooting, and management tasks to be performed from a remote location, simplifying the administration of network devices such as routers and switches.

The user interacts with the remote device as if they were physically present, sending commands and receiving output in real-time. This capability is particularly useful in network environments where direct access to devices may not always be feasible due to physical distance or device location.

While other protocols and methods might handle file transfers, encryption, or network monitoring, Telnet specifically focuses on providing remote command line management without encryption, which is a distinguishing feature that enhances user efficiency in managing devices.