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Mac OS X Server Admin
Port 311 was historically used by Mac OS X Server's Admin tool, which provided a web-based management interface for AppleShare IP services. This allowed system administrators to configure and control server-side functions, including file sharing, web services, and user management, from any standard web browser with appropriate authentication. Over time, its utility diminished as Apple transitioned to new server management paradigms..
Port 311, known as the Mac OS X Server Admin port, was integral to managing a Mac server via a web-based interface. This port facilitated the administration of AppleShare IP, allowing remote configuration of various network services directly through HTTP connections. Interaction typically involved authenticated web sessions using proprietary protocols atop HTTP to provide control mechanisms tailored for Apple’s server solutions.
The service hosted on port 311 was tightly integrated with Mac OS X Server's suite of tools, supporting network file sharing, web hosting, mail services, and user and group management. Administrators accessed these tools via a browser interface or Apple's dedicated client applications, which communicated over this port. It was designed to simplify server oversight, easing tasks that traditionally required command-line operations.
While official use of port 311 has largely been deprecated, legacy environments may still expose this port. As the administration traffic is generally unencrypted (unless combined with VPN tunnels or layered SSL implementations), modern security practices recommend against using it, favoring updated, more secure management protocols.