Port 179: BGP
Port 179 is BGP, the Border Gateway Protocol that exchanges routing information between the autonomous systems that make up the internet. It is the protocol that decides how traffic actually gets from one network to another.
TCPRoutingUnencrypted by defaultIANA assigned
| Port number | 179 |
|---|---|
| Service | Border Gateway Protocol |
| Protocol | TCP |
| Category | Routing |
| Default encryption | No |
Security note. Port 179 is not encrypted by default. Restrict it to trusted networks, or use an encrypted alternative where one exists, to avoid exposing credentials and data in transit.
Frequently asked questions
What is port 179 used for?
Port 179 is BGP, the Border Gateway Protocol that exchanges routing information between the autonomous systems that make up the internet. It is the protocol that decides how traffic actually gets from one network to another.
Is port 179 TCP or UDP?
Port 179 (BGP) uses TCP.
Is port 179 secure?
Port 179 is not encrypted by default. Where possible, use an encrypted alternative or tunnel it over TLS or a VPN.
Should I open port 179 on my firewall?
Only if you specifically need BGP. Expose it to the smallest set of trusted sources, and never open database or Windows-service ports to the whole internet.