Definition
Extended Internet Services Daemon (Xinetd) is a super-server daemon for UNIX and Linux-based systems. It is designed to actively listen for requests and then start or stop the needed daemons or services.
These services can include POP3, FTP or Telnet, which users connect to over a network. For example, if a service is inactive and unused, Xinetd can stop it to conserve system resources.
Uses of Xinetd
- Access control: Allows administrators to restrict network services based on criteria like source IP address, destination IP address, or access time.
- Logging and Monitoring: Logs incoming requests and can be configured to log additional information for monitoring purposes.
- Service management: Starts services on demand to conserve system resources; Xinetd stops idle services.
Services that Xinetd Handles
- FTP (File Transfer Protocol): Used for transferring files over a network.
- SSH (Secure Shell): Allows secure remote access to systems.
- SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol): Standard protocol for sending emails.
- HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol): Standard web protocol for serving websites.
- POP3 (Post Office Protocol 3) and IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol): Used for retrieving emails from a server.
- DNS (Domain Name System): Converts human-readable domain names into numerical IP addresses for computer understanding.