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NTalk
NTalk is a communication protocol used primarily for sending and receiving simple text messages interactively over Unix-based systems. Operating over UDP, it enables real-time chatting functionality across networked systems, serving as an early example of networked instant messaging. Despite its historical significance, NTalk is largely obsolete today, superseded by more sophisticated and secure messaging platforms..
NTalk (Network Talk) is a protocol and service designed for real-time, text-based communication between users across networked Unix systems. It extends the original 'talk' program, facilitating interactive chat sessions. The protocol operates over UDP port 518 for communication between client programs and the server daemon, known as ntalkd.
When a user initiates a session, the NTalk client sends a request packet via UDP to the remote machine’s ntalkd. The daemon then notifies the recipient, and upon acceptance, sets up a full duplex communications path—exchanging UDP packets containing the typed messages. NTalk relies on quick, connectionless datagram exchanges to facilitate low-latency, real-time chat, but does not guarantee delivery or ordering inherent to UDP.
Today, NTalk remains mostly of historical or academic interest. Modern chat systems utilize more robust protocols with built-in encryption, authentication, and features like multi-user chat. However, understanding NTalk provides insight into the evolution of networked communication services.