A server connection timeout means that a server is taking too long to reply to a data request made from another device. Timeouts are not a reply message: they show up when there isn't a reply and a server request is not fulfilled in a predetermined length of time. A server connection timeout error does little to tell you what went wrong or why the error happened: it just identifies that the error occurred. Timeout errors can happen for a number of reasons. The server, the requesting device, the network hardware and even an Internet connection can be at fault.
The purpose of a server timeout is to prevent a device from endlessly waiting for a sever to respond. Server timeouts can occur when using a Web browser to view a site, connecting to an online service with a game or running a program update, among other situations. A task that has timed out or undergone a timeout is considered incomplete or failed. Essentially, the device that made the initial request for data from another device "gives up" on waiting for that information to be sent when a timeout occurs. According to Microsoft, Internet Explorer 8 defaults the timeout duration at 60 minutes. The timeout duration varies depending on which program makes the data request from the server and can range from a few seconds to a few hours.
Server Doesn't Exist
Server timeout errors can be caused when a program tries to connect to a server that doesn't exist. The server could be offline or the program could have the wrong address. The server could be put back online or moved to the request location, but as far as the device is concerned it's looking for something that isn't there. These errors can be fixed by correcting the address if the server exists.
Network Infrastructure Error
A request from a device has to pass through multiple checkpoints on its way to the server. If any of these checkpoints is too busy, the request may be dropped. For example, a request to load a website in a Web browser may time out when connecting through a home network because the router is overtaxed with requests from other computers and devices on the network for other servers.
Network Hardware Error
A server request may time out because it was blocked from ever leaving the computer or network and never got to the server. Firewall and router port blocking settings can prevent outgoing requests to servers. Reconfiguring the Firewall or router to allow the request to pass will fix the problem.
Data Request Error
It's possible that the server suffers an error pulling up the requested data and is unable to send anything back to the computer. When this occurs, the request makes it to the server, but the server gives up and never sends anything back. Data request errors can be resolved by sending the request again.
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