When you visit pages on the World Wide Web, they must first be loaded into your web browser. Which is the basis for this broadcast, which is released as a standard TCP stateless HTTP protocol (Htt ext extransversion Protocol), which describes the initial message exchange between the web server and the browser. Following the classic client-server principle, the browser responds in the form of an HTTP request, where the server responds with an answer including a status code.
Although you do not see the majority of this communication as a user, the HTTP error code generally behaves differently: if a problem occurs during an exchange, browsers often present the corresponding code from the 4xx and 5xx series, which can be used for various types of client or server side error sources. The HTTP 408 message tells you, for example, that there will be a request at the time the client has arrived. How exactly this deadline can occur and how you can resolve the problem can be found in this guide.
What does an HTTP 408 error mean?
The HTTP 408 error code, like all 4xx error series members, is one message that indicates a client-side problem. If someone explains in more detail about the background of this error message, it becomes clear that this is not necessarily a browser failure: Error 408 is linked to the "Request Deadline" information, which means that the request sent by the client takes longer to reach the web server than it does is allowed. As a result, instead of the actual response, the browser receives an HTTP 408 message. Of course, this could be caused by a problem with your Internet connection, but it cannot be ruled out that the deadline will be a result of web server overload or misconfiguration.
Possible reasons for the "408: Request Timeout" error message at a glance
Although there are more than 50 different HTTP status codes, more than half identify error messages, these messages are often just a rough guide to troubleshooting. This also applies to error code 408, which basically says no more and no less than that in the specified time interval after making a TCP / IP connection. Too much time passes without data transfer through this connection. As a cause for this delay and thus also for error messages to arrive, as is often the case with several questionable reasons, which we will mention a few below:
- Bandwidth & interruption issues: HTTP-408 messages often result from Internet connection problems. For example, maybe the bandwidth is so low that the HTTP request fails at the specified time interval. It is also possible that the internet connection was temporarily interrupted after establishing a TCP / IP connection to the server, so that the request data cannot be sent or not completely.
- Calling the wrong or inaccessible URL: Not every web project URL is available for all visitors or without encryption. If you accidentally call a page that you do not have authorization on, or you try to call an HTTPS page without SSL / TLS enabled, then a 408 deadline may occur. Additionally, many URLs have restrictions on permitted HTTP request methods (GET, POST, HEAD, PUT, etc.), so the time limit may also be the result of incorrect methods being applied. But in both cases, there are also standard messages indicating the problem ("403: Prohibited" for unauthorized access attempts and "405: 3. Method Not Allowed" for HTTP methods that are not available).
- Incorrect web server configuration: Regardless of the web server software used, the web project operator enters the respective configuration file after how many seconds the HTTP request must be removed. There are separate values for the header and contents of the HTTP message. If the server selects a time interval too small for processing one or both components of the package, this might be the reason for a 408 error on the user's page.
- Plug-ins, Extensions, Modules, and Co. One problem that can be client-side and server-side is the use of defective or outdated extensions. As such, browser plug-ins used by website visitors and CMS modules used by operators may be responsible for HTTP deadlines and cause HTTP 408 errors.
HTTP-408: How to resolve HTTP Timeout problems as a browser user
Of course, when you are faced with the message "408: Request Timeout" when you visit a website, you are naturally interested in the fastest possible solution to the problem. However, you cannot always do this yourself. However, if the error is really only on the client side, chances are you can fix the 408 error with one of the following approaches. How to Fix HTTP 408 Timeout Errors
Solution 1: Check the URL
Before you get into more intensive troubleshooting, your first glance must be the URL entered, which you want to use to retrieve the desired page or web resource. You might actually choose a URL that is no longer or can be accessed by you. This happens especially if you are calling for a targeted web project through a bookmark that has been created once. Meanwhile, if the responsible webmaster has made changes to the permitted authorization or request method or, for example, changed to HTTPS, the saved link will most likely no longer lead to the target as usual, but HTTP 408 or similar error messages. Make sure the registered URL is correct and current to exclude the source of this error.
Solution 2: Check your internet connection and restart your router
Problems with an internet connection are always a stressful problem. Often, connections don't work at all, leaving access to the Web completely closed. Although you will definitely see total failure like that, in most cases you will not see fluctuations or temporary disconnections. Therefore, reasons for slow loading times and error messages when loading - such as 408 errors - are quickly searched incorrectly on the website called. For this reason, it is recommended to speed up your own network connection by, for example, calling another website or conducting a DSL speed test.
If you find that there are technical difficulties with your access, you must restart the router. If connection problems persist, it makes sense to contact your Internet service provider.
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Solution 3: Disable browser extensions
With plug-ins, add-ons or extensions, web browser functions can be expanded with just a few clicks. However, practical improvements don't always function as they should - in the worst cases, they worsen the search experience and cause error messages like HTTP-408. Often, this is due to the fact that the extension is outdated and / or no longer compatible with the current browser version, because the extension is no longer being actively developed. To test whether the timeout error was caused by one or more extensions included, temporarily disable it. After the problem is resolved, you can revive the plug-in to find out which one is responsible for the HTTP error message.
Solution 4: Call the web project later
It is not always possible to fix a "408: Request Timeout" error using the suggestions mentioned - e.g. For example, if this is caused by a prolonged network connectivity problem. In this case, it is recommended that you first dedicate yourself to other work and dare to start again at a later date. If the HTTP exchange still fails, the cause of the error might be on the Web server side. If the responsible webmaster has stored the appropriate contact data, you can ask whether the problem is known and when the page is expected to be available as usual.
To fix HTTP 408 Error as a webmaster
Although the HTTP wait time issue is annoying for visitors, because the landing page cannot be opened at the desired time, its scope can vary. Of course, the webmaster will be much higher. If many users accessing are faced with error messages over a longer period of time, this not only has a negative effect on traffic but also quickly on the reputation of the web application. In addition, it also threatens penalties by search engines, if frequent errors such as HTTP 408 come or if the medicine comes too long. If you are responsible for the web project, you must take immediate action if you find out about the time-out problem.
Solution 1: Check the web server configuration
Incorrect settings are among the most common server-side causes of HTTP error codes such as "408: Request Timeout". Therefore, your first appearance must be the configuration files of Apache (httpd.conf; apache2.conf), NGINX (nginx.conf) and Co. applicable. In the Apache web server settings, for example, there are directives "KeepAliveTimeout" and "RequestReadTimeout", which should receive special attention. Both specify time intervals for incoming HTTP requests, which may be too low (15 or even 30 seconds is recommended). If your web project runs on an NGINX server, these are "keepalive_timeout", "Client_body_timeout" and "client_header_timeout" directives. Remember to save changes to each configuration file before rebooting the web server to finally fix the HTTP 408 problem.
Solution 2: Check the server log and adjust the problem page
As mentioned, HTTP 408 errors only occur on one page or several web project pages, because this page has configuration errors regarding permissions and permitted HTTP methods. So, if you know of a deadline issue, we recommend checking which URL is causing the HTTP error. To avoid calling every page manually, just look at your web server error log file where all HTTP errors are automatically archived. After you find the problematic page, you can look for reasons for the deadline and, if necessary, make changes to the permissions and methods.
Solution 3: Disable outdated and damaged modules, templates and plug-ins in CMS
Content management systems are in great demand as a basis for web projects. One big advantage of this platform is its high extensibility through modules, templates and plug-ins that add additional features, layout and themes. This extension, like their client-side counterpart, can be responsible for the 408 request deadline. Thus, in the abundance of additional modules and plug-ins, there are always representatives who, despite having great added value to their own projects. Promise, but ultimately do not function as desired or stop developing at certain times. This is especially true for third-party extensions where there may be problems with the new CMS version. The simple solution is to deactivate the appropriate plug-in (and module if necessary).
Solution 4: Check and correct the code
Of course, errors don't always have to be traceable to an external source, but can hide in your own code. If you are dealing with error code 408 and don't find a solution either during checking the web server configuration file or when checking the content management system, see the HTML framework and the default CSS snippets and scripts (JavaScript, PHP, etc.) Recommended. Feel free to complete the debugging process using the appropriate software if the time-out problem cannot be solved by other means. This allows you to efficiently track and repair bad code.
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Solution 5: Increase server resources
The more HTTP requests reaching the web server, the more resources will need to be processed. If there is not enough computing power available to handle incoming traffic, error messages like "408: Request Timeout" are not uncommon. If your budget allows, consider increasing processor and memory performance in this case.
