Typically, such server errors can sometimes cause headaches for web developers and server administrators. One such common error is HTTP error 413, also known as “Request Entity Too Large”. What is the explanation for this error? Its manifestation indicates that the server cannot process the request because the size of the transmitted data is too large. In this article we will try to explain the reasons for the occurrence and some useful tips that will probably help solve this error.
The most common 413 errors
The most common errors that may occur on your server will be discussed. Perhaps you will find something useful for yourself.
Request size limit exceeded
One of the main causes of error 413 is exceeding the request size limit set on the server. This limit is usually set to prevent files or data from being sent too large, which could impact server performance.
Server or proxy settings
Some servers and proxies have their own limits on request size. If the request goes through a proxy, you need to make sure that there are no restrictions set there either that could cause a 413 error.
Web server configuration problems
Incorrect configuration of a web server such as Apache or Nginx can also be the cause of the error. For example, incorrect settings related to request sizes can cause problems.
How to Fix this
Changing server settings.
The server settings that determine the maximum request size can be changed. For example, in the Apache configuration this could be the LimitRequestBody parameter, and in Nginx it could be
client_max_body_size
Increase these values to allow larger requests.
Using Chunked Transfer Encoding
In some cases, using chunked data transfer can help avoid a 413 error. This allows data to be transferred in chunks, which can bypass request size limits.
Checking proxy server settings
If a proxy is used in front of the web server, make sure that the appropriate settings for the maximum request size are set there as well.
Checking the web server configuration:
Check your web server configuration for errors or inconsistencies. Pay attention to the parameters related to request sizes.
Using CDN
Using a CDN (Content Delivery Network) can help reduce the load on your server because the CDN can handle some of the requests and reduce the size of the data transferred.
Depending on the web server and configuration you use, the situation may vary, so it is important to carefully review the documentation for your server and conduct a thorough analysis of the configuration. Please note that changes to server settings may require a server restart for them to take effect.
