What is used to identify logical endpoints for communication in a computer network?

The concept of identifying logical endpoints for communication in a computer network is fundamentally tied to the function of ports. In networking, ports serve as specific channels through which data is sent and received. They allow multiple network services or applications to run simultaneously on the same device without interfering with each other. Each port is associated with a unique number that corresponds to different communication services, meaning that when a computer is communicating over the network, it can specify which port it wants to use.

For example, web traffic typically uses port 80 for HTTP and port 443 for HTTPS. This port number essentially acts as a logical endpoint, enabling devices to identify the exact service or application with which they wish to communicate. Therefore, utilizing ports is critical for establishing and maintaining effective network communication.