Subnet and PortsPort 161: SNMP
Network management queries to devices.
Registry entry
| Port | Protocols | Registered name | IANA description | Assignee | Reference | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 161 | tcp, udp | snmp | SNMP | n/a | n/a |
What it is used for
Network management queries to devices.
The risk
Version 1 and 2c use a shared community string as a password and can leak network details.
What to do
Use SNMPv3, change default strings, restrict by address.
In the registry
Port 161 is a system port (0 to 1023), the range for standard services. The registry lists one service for this number. Its main entry is snmp, "SNMP", registered for tcp, udp.
How to find out whether it is open on your computer
On your own computer or server, ask the operating system which programs are listening for connections, and look for port 161 in the list. If a program you do not recognise listens on it, find out what it is before you close it. From outside, test only networks that you own or have permission to test: scanning other people's networks can be treated as an attack.
Is port 161 safe to leave open?
It depends on what is listening and who can reach it. Open only what you need, restrict by address where possible, keep the software updated, and use encryption and strong authentication. The advice above applies to this port.
Does the registered name prove what runs on port 161?
No. Programs can use any port. The registry tells you what the number was reserved for.
This is an independent guide. It is not connected with IANA, the IETF or any network equipment maker. Address and port data come from the IANA registries as fetched on 14 November 2026; RFC texts were read from rfc-editor.org. Check the originals for anything you rely on.