What is a port?
A server runs many services at once. Each service listens at its own numbered door, called a port. Think of an apartment block with numbered doors. Port 115 is one of those doors.
What uses port 115?
Port 115 is set aside for SFTP in its original meaning: Simple File Transfer Protocol. A protocol is a set of rules two computers follow to talk to each other. This old protocol was made to move files in a simple way.
Do not confuse it with the modern SFTP, which means SSH File Transfer Protocol. Modern SFTP uses port 22.
Features of the old Simple File Transfer Protocol
- It was easier to build than FTP.
- It used a basic login with a user name and password.
- It could send, receive and list files.
- It did not scramble data, so it was not secure.
Where is it used today?
Almost nowhere. FTP, SFTP and FTPS replaced it. You will mostly see port 115 in old documents, port lists or security scans. If a scan shows port 115 open on your server, check why. You probably do not need it.
What to use instead
| Method | Usual port | Safe? |
|---|---|---|
| FTP | 21 | No, plain text |
| SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol) | 22 | Yes |
| FTPS (FTP with TLS) | 21 or 990 | Yes |
How to check if port 115 is open
If you have a VPS or dedicated server with root access, run this on the server:
ss -tlnp | grep ':115'This lists any program listening on port 115. No output means nothing is listening.
If something unknown listens there, ask Hostvento support before you stop it.
Quick recap
- Port 115 belongs to the old Simple File Transfer Protocol.
- It is not secure and is rarely used.
- Modern SFTP uses port 22.
- Prefer SFTP or FTPS for moving files.