Port 61616: ActiveMQ

Port 61616 is the default OpenWire port for Apache ActiveMQ, a message broker that supports several messaging protocols. It is the port most Java clients use to connect with ActiveMQ's native protocol.

TCPMessage queuesUnencrypted by default
Port number61616
ServiceApache ActiveMQ OpenWire
ProtocolTCP
CategoryMessage queues
Default encryptionNo
Security note. Port 61616 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.

How do I check whether port 61616 is open?

Port 61616 carries TCP, so a connection either completes its handshake or it does not, which makes the check definitive.

QuestionCommandWhat to know
Is it open on a remote host?nc -vz example.com 61616A TCP handshake either completes or it does not, so netcat gives a definitive answer in one line.
Same check on WindowsTest-NetConnection example.com -Port 61616Built into PowerShell. TcpTestSucceeded in the output is the answer; telnet is not installed by default on modern Windows.
What is listening locally?ss -tlnp | grep ':61616 'Lists the process bound to port 61616 on Linux. On macOS use lsof -nP -iTCP:61616 -sTCP:LISTEN, on Windows netstat -ano | findstr :61616

Replace example.com with the host you are testing. A blocked port and a port with nothing listening on it look identical from the outside, so if a service should be running, check locally before blaming the firewall.

Frequently asked questions

What is port 61616 used for?

Port 61616 is the default OpenWire port for Apache ActiveMQ, a message broker that supports several messaging protocols. It is the port most Java clients use to connect with ActiveMQ's native protocol.

Is port 61616 TCP or UDP?

Port 61616 (ActiveMQ) uses TCP.

Is port 61616 secure?

Port 61616 is not encrypted by default. Where possible, use an encrypted alternative or tunnel it over TLS or a VPN.

Should I open port 61616 on my firewall?

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