Port 698OLSR

Optimized Link State Routing (OLSR) is a proactive routing protocol designed specifically for mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs). It enables dynamic routing within wireless mesh networks by maintaining updated routing tables with the most efficient paths between nodes. OLSR optimizes communication by minimizing overhead and quickly adapting to changes in network topology..

transport
udp

single transport

in transit
cleartext

payload readable on path

assignment
official

registered with iana

risk
4/10

caution

lookups
6,145

rank 811 of 993 · top 82%

Technical Details

what runs on :698

Optimized Link State Routing (OLSR) is a link-state, proactive routing protocol primarily used in wireless ad hoc networks, including mesh networks and MANETs. Unlike reactive protocols, OLSR constantly exchanges topology information with other nodes, ensuring all routers have an updated view of the network to establish routes instantly without route discovery delays.

OLSR reduces the size of control messages by utilizing a unique technique called MultiPoint Relays (MPRs). These MPRs are selected nodes responsible for forwarding broadcast messages during the flooding process, significantly reducing redundant retransmissions and conserving bandwidth. This makes OLSR highly scalable and efficient in dense networks.

OLSR operates over IPv4 and IPv6 and relies almost exclusively on UDP (port 698) for communication. Its design caters to the dynamic nature of mobile wireless environments, where frequent topology changes occur. It ensures low-latency route determination, making it well-suited for real-time applications over ad hoc wireless networks.

Security Information

exposure of :698

risk score

4/ 10caution

worth attention. how exposed you are depends on configuration — don't leave it reachable from the internet without a reason.

network services averages 3.9 across 604 ports — this one sits 0.1 above.

in transit

cleartext

credentials and payloads are readable by anyone on path

assignment

official

registered with iana for this service — scanners fingerprint it by number

reachable over

udp

udp is connectionless — source addresses are trivially spoofed and it is a reflection favourite

security overview

Common Vulnerabilities:

  • Susceptible to routing table poisoning where malicious nodes inject false routing information
  • Vulnerable to denial-of-service (DoS) attacks through excessive or malformed OLSR control messages
  • Potential exposure to replay attacks if protocol packets are not properly authenticated
  • Lack of inherent encryption, making information gathering and eavesdropping on routing data feasible

Common Mitigations:

  • Use secure OLSR variants that incorporate cryptographic authentication (e.g., OLSRv2 with digital signatures)
  • Implement network layer encryption such as IPsec to protect OLSR control traffic
  • Apply strong access control mechanisms to prevent unauthorized nodes from joining the network
  • Monitor network for abnormal routing updates indicative of attack attempts
  • Keep OLSR software updated to patch known vulnerabilities

the 8 most looked-up other ports in network services — 604 ports carry that label.

risk mix of the 8 listed

  • caution100%

0 of 8 encrypted