504 Gateway Timeout

If a server takes too long to complete a request (such as loading a webpage), it will sometimes display the HTTP 504 Gateway Timeout error. This timeout limit is in place to protect the server from slowing down for all users or even crashing due to long-running processes.

Apache Restarts

Apache restarts happen every 2 hours on the shared hosting servers. During the restarts on the Morty server, your site may display a 504 error to visitors. On the Tommy and Johnny servers, a 502 error may display. These errors typically last no longer than a couple of minutes and are resolved once Apache has finished restarting.

The difference in error messages (502 vs. 504) is because of different restart methods used. A hard restart interrupts Apache abruptly, leading to a 502 (Bad Gateway), and a graceful restart will give the 504 (Gateway Timeout). The restart approach on Tommy and Johnny is different in order to minimize downtime and address user concerns about longer wait times for their sites to come back up after server restarts. Because the wait time for restarts on Morty was already minimal, the graceful approach is preferred for this server.

To check the status of our servers, please visit the visit the HelioHost Services Status Page. The status page provides a real-time overview of your server’s status and includes a history of past incidents.

If you prefer not to have Apache restart, you can sign up for a VPS, where you can leave Apache or Nginx running for months without a restart. We offer a range of VPS plans, and a 10% discount when you pay for 6 months upfront.

Software Installation

If you receive a 504 Gateway Timeout error while trying to install software, the installer might be taking longer than the default server timeout settings allow. In this case, you can request that the server execution time limits be extended temporarily. This would give your software installer more time to finish. After installation, HelioHost admins would need to reduce the execution time limits back to their original settings.

Request Temporary Extension of Server Execution Time Limits

To request a temporary extension of the server execution time limits to install software, please post a topic in the Customer Support forum. Make sure you provide your username, domain name, the software you are trying to install, and any applicable error message(s) received.

References

This page is adapted from this post on the HelioNet forum.