Which port does PPTP use by default?

PPTP, which stands for Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol, uses TCP port 1723 by default to establish its connections. This protocol is primarily used for creating virtual private networks (VPNs). When a PPTP session is initiated, the control connection is established over this TCP port.

Using TCP is essential in this context because PPTP relies on reliable communication to manage the status and control of the tunneled connection. TCP's features, such as error correction and ensuring the order of packets, are critical for maintaining the integrity of data being transferred through the VPN.

Other options may reflect common misconceptions about the associated ports or protocols. For instance, UDP is generally used for protocols that do not require guaranteed delivery, which is not the case with PPTP, emphasizing the necessity of using TCP for this specific tunneling protocol.