Dictionary · Protocols and Ports
Dynamic Ports
Ports · Intermediate
Short-lived source ports a client chooses for the duration of a conversation. The usual range is 49152 through 65535, sometimes called ephemeral ports.
Your computer does not use a famous port for every outbound connection. It picks a temporary source port so replies can find the right application.
Example: A browser connects to port 443 from a temporary source port such as 51514, then releases that source port when finished.
Common misconception
- Seeing a high source port is normal. It is not, by itself, evidence of a suspicious service.