HTTP 408 Error: Request Timeout - where does it come from and what solution is available?

Communication between a browser and a web server occurs via the HTTP protocol, which, in addition to the actual data packets, also includes the exchange of status messages over a connection. These messages are usually invisible and serve only to inform the client about the state. However, if a problem like Error 400: Bad Request, Error 401: Unauthorized, Error 403: Forbidden, or Error 408: Request Timeout occurs, no information can be exchanged between the two points except for these messages. In this case, instead of the content of a web address, the error with its corresponding number is displayed.

What does the HTTP 408 Error mean?

The status code for HTTP consists of a three-digit identifier and is divided into five categories, with the first digit indicating the type of message. Information about the connection starts with a 1, a 2 indicates successful completion of communication, and a 3 signifies various types of redirections. The 4s and 5s indicate problems on the client or server side. Some of the most common errors include:

• Error 400: Bad Request indicates a syntax error on the client side
• Error 401: Unauthorized prompts the visitor to authorize themselves
• Error 403: Forbidden means access to a requested address is prohibited
• Error 404: Not Found appears if the URL does not exist on the server
• Error 405: Method Not Allowed indicates the use of an unsupported method
• Error 408: Request Timeout indicates the expiration of the waiting time
• Error 522: Connection Timed Out indicates a timeout during connection establishment

The HTTP 408 Error is similar to Error 522, with the former indicating an origin from the client and the latter from the server. However, both lead to a disconnection because one of the sides has not responded for an extended period.

Why does a connection break with the HTTP 408 Error?

The HTTP 408 Error, known as Request Timeout, indicates that a connection between the client and server was successfully established, but took too long to transmit the data. After a certain period, the server terminates the connection to save resources and sends back the HTTP 408 Error: Request Timeout. Although the cause is generally attributed to the client, this is not always the case in reality. Instead, there are various reasons for a Request Timeout:

• Low bandwidth or sudden connection termination
• Incorrect or incompatible encryption after the connection is established
• Error in the internet address
• Short timeouts in the web server configuration
• Connection freeze due to faulty plug-ins, modules, or extensions
• High system load on the client's hardware
• Technical issues with the provider
• High visitor numbers or DDoS attack on the web server

What is the solution for an HTTP 408 Error?

Due to the numerous possible causes, finding a solution for the HTTP 408 Error: Request Timeout can be time-consuming. Instead of pinpointing the specific issue on a client, it is often quicker and more convenient to establish an optimal state. The first step is to check the URL and disable all suspicious plug-ins and extensions in the browser. If this does not yield the desired result, a hardware restart including the end device and router should be performed. Administrators suspecting a cause for the HTTP 408 Error: Request Timeout on their server should review the web server configuration, paying special attention to the settings for KeepAliveTimeout and RequestReadTimeout. If this does not provide a solution, poorly programmed plug-ins, templates, and extensions for CMS, errors in custom code, or inadequate hardware performance could be additional causes.

Photo: Gerd Altmann from Pixabay