Encountering Cloudflare Error 521 and noticing discrepancies in site traffic analytics can be perplexing. This issue may arise after making changes to a webpage or server settings. In this post, we’ll explore common causes and solutions for resolving Error 521, as well as addressing traffic visibility concerns on Cloudflare.
Understanding Error 521:
Error 521 occurs when Cloudflare is unable to establish a connection with the origin server. Despite the server being accessible online, the communication between Cloudflare and the server is interrupted. This disruption can lead to the display of a 521 error message.
Potential Causes and Solutions:
- Server Configuration:
- Check server configurations, firewalls, and security settings.
- Ensure the server is not blocking Cloudflare’s IP addresses.
- Verify that the server is responding correctly to requests.
- DNS Settings:
- Review DNS settings on both Cloudflare and your domain registrar.
- Confirm that DNS records point to the correct server IP address.
- Check for any recent changes in DNS configurations.
- Webpage Changes:
- If the issue arose after updating a webpage, review recent changes.
- Ensure that the changes do not conflict with Cloudflare settings.
- Cloudflare Plugin:
- If not using the official Cloudflare plugin, consider utilizing it for seamless integration.
- Configure the plugin to synchronize settings and avoid compatibility issues.
Addressing Traffic Discrepancies:
- Analytics Configuration:
- Double-check Cloudflare Analytics configurations for the affected site.
- Confirm that analytics settings are accurate and up-to-date.
- Monitoring Periods of Inactivity:
- Investigate periods of time when Cloudflare is not showing traffic.
- Examine server logs and Cloudflare analytics logs for insights.
- Traffic Logging:
- Verify that your server is logging all incoming traffic accurately.
- Check for any anomalies or disruptions in the traffic logs.
Conclusion:
Resolving Error 521 and ensuring accurate traffic analytics on Cloudflare involves a systematic approach. By examining server configurations, DNS settings, and recent changes, you can identify and address the root cause of the issue. Additionally, using the official Cloudflare plugin can enhance compatibility and streamline the connection between your WordPress site and Cloudflare.