Upstream Error Question - NOT Urgent

[Willow]

Hello.

Recently we all aware of the "upstream" errors we seem to be receiving more here at PB. I have also noticed the last few days other sites that I often visit are also having the same issue (sites like Reddit, Bluesky, and others).

I was wondering if perhaps one of you could give us an actual explanation of what this error really means and, if you know, why it seems to have become more prevalent recently?

Thanks!

[Scott]

Willow -

An "upstream" error typically occurs when a request to a website or service cannot be completed because of issues at a higher level in the network or server infrastructure. Essentially, an upstream server is one that is responsible for passing data to another server or service. When you receive an upstream error, it means that there is a problem at this higher level, preventing the request from being successfully processed.

In the context of websites like Reddit, Bluesky, or others, these errors might stem from several sources, including:

1. Server Load or Outages: The upstream servers could be overloaded due to high traffic or experiencing technical issues, leading to failed responses for users.
   
   
2. Content Delivery Network (CDN) Problems: CDNs help deliver content faster by distributing it across various servers. If there's an issue with the CDN, it could cause delays or errors in content delivery.
   
   
3. Routing or Network Issues: Errors in the internet infrastructure, such as issues with data routing or intermediary networks, could lead to these types of errors.

[Willow]

Nov 20, 2024 14:06:07 GMT -8 Scott said:

Willow -

An "upstream" error typically occurs when a request to a website or service cannot be completed because of issues at a higher level in the network or server infrastructure. Essentially, an upstream server is one that is responsible for passing data to another server or service. When you receive an upstream error, it means that there is a problem at this higher level, preventing the request from being successfully processed.

In the context of websites like Reddit, Bluesky, or others, these errors might stem from several sources, including:

1. Server Load or Outages: The upstream servers could be overloaded due to high traffic or experiencing technical issues, leading to failed responses for users.
   
   
2. Content Delivery Network (CDN) Problems: CDNs help deliver content faster by distributing it across various servers. If there's an issue with the CDN, it could cause delays or errors in content delivery.
   
   
3. Routing or Network Issues: Errors in the internet infrastructure, such as issues with data routing or intermediary networks, could lead to these types of errors.

Thank you Scott!

I am wondering do you have an idea of why suddenly over the last few months these errors are more common? In the ten years I've been here at PB I haven't see that error until relatively recently and that goes as well for those other sites as well. I could see maybe BlueSky having issues with their new popularity but other places like PB and Reddit have typically been pretty steady over the years in this regard.

It might be all coincidental but from an outside observer it seems peculiar.

Anyway, thank you so much as always taking the time to answer my question. 

[Scott]

Nov 20, 2024 14:18:17 GMT -8 Willow said:

Thank you Scott!

I am wondering do you have an idea of why suddenly over the last few months these errors are more common? In the ten years I've been here at PB I haven't see that error until relatively recently and that goes as well for those other sites as well. I could see maybe BlueSky having issues with their new popularity but other places like PB and Reddit have typically been pretty steady over the years in this regard.

This I don't have an answer for.  Sorry.