// REFERENCE · PORT 161 · UDP

Port 161: SNMP

Port 161 is SNMP, used by monitoring tools to read status from routers, printers and other devices.

AT A GLANCE
PORT
161 / UDP
SERVICE
SNMP
ALSO CALLED
snmp, simple network management protocol
IF EXPOSED
MEDIUM RISK IF EXPOSED

What runs on port 161

SNMP agents listen on UDP 161 and answer queries about interfaces, traffic, toner levels, temperatures and more. Versions 1 and 2c protect access only with a "community string", often left at the default "public". Version 3 adds real authentication and encryption.

On a home network

Network printers very often run SNMP on 161, and so do many NAS boxes, managed switches, business routers and UPS units. Consumer routers sometimes offer it but leave it off.

If port 161 is reachable from the internet

SNMP should not be reachable from the internet. With the default "public" community, anyone can read detailed information about your device and network, and a writable community can change settings. SNMP v2c has also been abused for amplification DDoS because a small query returns a large answer.

How to check whether it is open on your network

Check whether SNMP is enabled in your router, NAS and printer settings, and change the community string from "public" if you use it. An outside scan of UDP 161 shows whether it is exposed.

// RELATED PORTS
9100Raw printing (JetDirect)TCPHIGH RISK IF EXPOSED631IPP / CUPSTCP/UDPHIGH RISK IF EXPOSED514SyslogTCP/UDPMEDIUM RISK IF EXPOSED
ON YOUR PHONE · EXPOSURE CHECK

To find out whether port 161 is open on something in your home, and whether the internet can reach it, the app scans your Wi-Fi from your phone and checks your public address from the outside. It says what it checked and what it could not. Get RECON for iPhone — one-time purchase, no account, nothing leaves the device.

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