Port 3269: Global Catalog SSL

Port 3269 is the Global Catalog port encrypted with TLS, the secure counterpart to port 3268. Applications use it to query Active Directory objects across an entire forest without sending the query in clear text.

TCPWindows EncryptedIANA assigned
Port number3269
ServiceGlobal Catalog over SSL/TLS
ProtocolTCP
CategoryWindows
Default encryptionYes (TLS/SSH)

Frequently asked questions

What is port 3269 used for?

Port 3269 is the Global Catalog port encrypted with TLS, the secure counterpart to port 3268. Applications use it to query Active Directory objects across an entire forest without sending the query in clear text.

Is port 3269 TCP or UDP?

Port 3269 (Global Catalog SSL) uses TCP.

Is port 3269 secure?

Yes. Port 3269 carries encrypted traffic by default, so data in transit is protected.

Should I open port 3269 on my firewall?

Only if you specifically need Global Catalog SSL. Expose it to the smallest set of trusted sources, and never open database or Windows-service ports to the whole internet.