Which Port Should Be Opened for Remote Server Access?
Short answer
D 5900
Question
Key Takeaways
Tests recognition of specialized remote administration ports, with the common trap being the selection of familiar web security ports instead of actual desktop control protocols.
This question evaluates knowledge of standard network ports used for remote server management. Community consensus and recent exam reports confirm port 5900 as the correct choice for enabling VNC-based remote desktop access.
Common mistake: Option A (443) is frequently chosen due to its widespread use for secure web administration, but it only encrypts HTTP traffic rather than providing full graphical remote desktop control.
Expert Analysis
Why the Answer Is Correct
Port 5900 is the standard default port for Virtual Network Computing (VNC), a remote desktop protocol that grants full graphical control over a server. Opening this port allows technicians to directly interact with the server environment, making it ideal for troubleshooting resource issues like high CPU usage.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Port 443 handles encrypted HTTPS web traffic, while 8080 serves as an alternative HTTP port commonly used for web proxies or development servers. Neither provides native remote desktop capabilities required for full system control. Port 3321 corresponds to vnsstr, a niche utility that lacks enterprise adoption for standard server administration.
Community Comment Notes
Multiple candidates verified this exact question appeared on recent N10-008 exams, strongly validating port 5900 as the expected answer. Users highlighted that although VNC is occasionally overlooked in official objectives, CompTIA frequently includes legacy or alternative remote access ports to test practical knowledge. The detailed port breakdown provided by top-voted comments effectively clarified why web ports are incorrect distractors.
Official Reference
- https://www.iana.org/assignments/service-names-port-numbers/service-names-port-numbers.xhtml
- https://www.comptia.org/training/books/network-n10-008-study-guide
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virtual_Network_Computing
These links open the official vendor documentation in a new tab.
Exam Strategy
Memorize both mainstream remote access protocols (SSH, RDP) and secondary alternatives like VNC, as CompTIA often tests niche ports that fall outside the primary syllabus. When facing port questions, immediately eliminate web traffic options to isolate true remote administration services.
Community Votes
100% of anonymous learners picked answer D. Votes are pick records left by other test-takers — they are not the verified answer.
Discussion 4 contributions
Compiled from public community threads and reader submissions, lightly edited for clarity. Handles and vote tallies are shown as recorded, and comments reflect the views of individual contributors.
From public community threads 4
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PL323 👍 13It was on my exam (May 2nd,2024). Answer is D
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tempovpn 👍 9 Answered DIt was on my exam (April 25th, 2024) A. 443 - HTTPS B. 3321 - vnsstr C. 8080 - HTTP (alternative HTTP port) D. 5900 - VNC (Virtual Network Computing)
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378b79e 👍 5It's D but this isn't on the Comptia Net+ objectives list, Comptia sucks for this
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a87d6a4 👍 1 Answered DPort 5900 is commonly used for VNC (Virtual Network Computing) which provides remote access to servers and desktops. This port allows remote control and management of servers.
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