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Cloudflare frequently giving server timeouts or other errors

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SUMMARY

Users are experiencing intermittent server timeouts and error messages from Cloudflare, specifically HTTP errors 520, 522, and 525, indicating issues with SSL handshakes and server connectivity. The problems appear to be linked to the Cloudflare architecture, particularly affecting connections from London and Frankfurt. Users have noted that the errors are not consistent, with some requests succeeding while others fail, suggesting a random selection issue rather than a permanent bug. Rebooting servers and refreshing pages have been temporary solutions to mitigate the errors.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Cloudflare error codes (HTTP 520, 522, 525)
  • Knowledge of SSL handshake processes
  • Familiarity with server rebooting procedures
  • Basic troubleshooting skills for web connectivity issues
NEXT STEPS
  • Investigate Cloudflare's SSL configuration and certificate management
  • Learn about troubleshooting intermittent connectivity issues with Cloudflare
  • Research the impact of Cloudflare's architecture on server performance
  • Explore methods for monitoring and logging Cloudflare error responses
USEFUL FOR

Web developers, system administrators, and IT professionals managing websites using Cloudflare who are troubleshooting connectivity and SSL issues.

Jonathan Scott

Jonathan Scott

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For the last few hours, I've been having big delays and Cloudflare error messages (mostly saying host server timeouts) or messed up screen layout when trying to access these forums. It seems to happen on about half of all requests - the others are normal and quite fast.
 
There was one yesterday and two today. Shouldn't be any since several hours ago. I have applied some fixes. Are you still getting issues recently?
 
Most definitely - just got a 522 and two 525s (SSL handshake failed) trying to respond. But it doesn't always fail. Seems like one path or server or whatever works but another doesn't.
 
Just tried on my way to bed and it worked second time, but I'll probably have difficulty sending this. Must be something relating to how London Cloudflare connects to the servers, possibly Cloudflare's fault given the accidents they have been having recently.
 
Jonathan Scott said:
Just tried on my way to bed and it worked second time, but I'll probably have difficulty sending this. Must be something relating to how London Cloudflare connects to the servers, possibly Cloudflare's fault given the accidents they have been having recently.
Click to expand...

I am not completely sure, but I think I remember a Cloudflare error that actually told me that the problem was in Frankfurt.
 
Seems to be working fine this morning, thanks. I'm curious to know how a certificate issue can have such a range of symptoms (HTTP 520, 522, 525) and an intermittent impact.
 
Jonathan Scott said:
Seems to be working fine this morning, thanks. I'm curious to know how a certificate issue can have such a range of symptoms (HTTP 520, 522, 525) and an intermittent impact.
Click to expand...

As far as my understanding goes, it disturbs the handshake between participating systems. I once had this when a certificate wasn't renewed.
 
fresh_42 said:
As far as my understanding goes, it disturbs the handshake between participating systems. I once had this when a certificate wasn't renewed.
Click to expand...
Yes, but I would have expected a solid 525 for all requests in that case, instead of a random mix of working, 520, 522 and 525. I've not used Cloudflare for any of my own websites, nor multiple IP addresses, but it seems there must have been an element of random selection involved somewhere.
 
FYI: I just had a Cloudflare 525 on a different website. Maybe it is more about the specific Cloudflare architecture than it is a server issue.

This was my second one on that other website:


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It's not a permanent bug. It comes and goes, and a refresh usually fixes the problem.
 
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