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Hotline Tracker Server
Port 5498 is primarily associated with Hotline Tracker servers, which were used during the late 1990s and early 2000s to help clients locate Hotline servers hosting chat rooms, forums, and file sharing. The port facilitates server registration and discovery, enabling clients to browse available Hotline servers across the network..
Hotline Communications developed a proprietary network protocol and suite of tools, including Hotline Client, Server, and Tracker. The Hotline Tracker acts similarly to an index server, helping users locate various Hotline Servers by maintaining a dynamic list that clients can query. Communication over port 5498 enables Hotline Servers to register their availability with the Tracker, and allows clients to request a list of active servers.
Technically, the protocol on this port uses a custom application-layer protocol operating primarily over TCP. Registration includes details about the server like its name, description, connection details, and sometimes the active user count. This data stream allows clients to dynamically discover content sharing and chat servers worldwide.
Today, the Hotline network is largely obsolete, but some servers and enthusiasts still use it. Despite its age, understanding this protocol can provide insight into early distributed directory services and peer discovery techniques that predate modern decentralized networking approaches.