How to Request a Port Number Assignment: A Guide for Application Developers

What kind of port must be requested from IANA in order to be used with a specific application?

In order to use a specific port with an application, you should request a port number assignment from the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA).

The IANA is responsible for managing port number assignments for different protocols and services.

When requesting a port assignment, you will need to provide the following information to the IANA:

1. Protocol: Specify the protocol that the port will be used with, such as TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) or UDP (User Datagram Protocol).

2. Purpose: Clearly describe the purpose or function of the application that will be using the port. This will help the IANA understand the context and importance of the port assignment.

3. Port Number: If you have a specific port number in mind, you can request that port. However, keep in mind that the IANA may assign a different port based on its own policies and availability.

4. Documentation: Provide any relevant documentation, such as a specification or description of the application, to support your port assignment request.

It is important to note that not all applications require a dedicated port or need to be registered with IANA. Common protocols like HTTP (port 80) or HTTPS (port 443) are already standardized and widely used, so there is no need to request a port assignment for them. However, if you are developing a new application or protocol, or if you are using a non-standard port, it is advisable to request a port from IANA to ensure proper and standardized communication across networks.

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