HTTP 302 Found vs 511 Network Authentication Required
HTTP 302 (Found) is a 3xx Redirection response, while 511 (Network Authentication Required) is a 5xx Server Error response. 302 indicates that the resource temporarily resides at a different URL. The client should continue using the original URL for future requests. In contrast, 511 means that the client needs to authenticate to gain network access. Used by captive portals (hotel/airport WiFi).
Description
The resource temporarily resides at a different URL. The client should continue using the original URL for future requests.
When You See It
During A/B testing, temporary maintenance pages, or geo-based redirects.
How to Fix
Follow the Location header. Note: browsers may change POST to GET on redirect.
Description
The client needs to authenticate to gain network access. Used by captive portals (hotel/airport WiFi).
When You See It
When connecting to WiFi that requires login (airport, hotel, coffee shop).
How to Fix
Open a browser and complete the captive portal login process.
Key Differences
302 is a 3xx Redirection response, while 511 is a 5xx Server Error response.
HTTP 302: The resource temporarily resides at a different URL. The client should continue using the original URL for future requests.
HTTP 511: The client needs to authenticate to gain network access. Used by captive portals (hotel/airport WiFi).
You encounter 302 when during A/B testing, temporary maintenance pages, or geo-based redirects.
You encounter 511 when when connecting to WiFi that requires login (airport, hotel, coffee shop).
When to Use Which
For 302 (Found): Follow the Location header. Note: browsers may change POST to GET on redirect. For 511 (Network Authentication Required): Open a browser and complete the captive portal login process.