How Website Errors Are Categorized (Client, Server, and Network Issues)

By /

How Website Errors Are Categorized (Client, Server, and Network Issues)

When a website shows an error message, the problem can come from different places. Some issues happen on your device, some happen on the website’s server, and others occur somewhere in between on the network.

Understanding which category an error belongs to helps you avoid unnecessary troubleshooting and focus on the right next step.

Why Website Errors Are Grouped Into Categories

Websites rely on multiple systems working together:

  • Your device and browser

  • Internet and network services

  • Website servers and configurations

When one part fails, the error message often reflects where the failure occurred, even if the message itself feels vague.

Client-Side Issues (Your Device or Browser)

Client-side issues happen on your end. The website itself may be working fine for other users.

These issues often involve:

  • Browser settings or extensions

  • Cached data

  • Outdated software

  • Device-specific problems

Client-side problems usually affect:

  • One browser

  • One device

  • One user

If a website works on another device or browser, the issue is often client-side.

Server-Side Issues (Website or Hosting Problems)

Server-side issues happen on the website’s infrastructure, not your device.

These problems often include:

  • Server overload

  • Configuration errors

  • Website software failures

  • Hosting environment issues

Server-side errors typically affect:

  • All visitors

  • Multiple devices

  • Entire sections of a website

When this happens, there is usually nothing you can fix locally.

Network and DNS Issues (Between You and the Website)

Network-related issues occur between your device and the website server.

These may involve:

  • DNS resolution failures

  • ISP routing issues

  • Temporary connectivity disruptions

  • Regional outages

Network problems often affect:

  • Multiple websites

  • Apps and email at the same time

  • Entire networks

They may appear and disappear without changes on your device.

Why Some Errors Look Similar but Mean Different Things

Two error messages can look alike while coming from different categories.

For example:

  • A website not loading could be server-side

  • The same symptom could also be a DNS or network issue

  • Or it could be browser-related on one device

That’s why identifying the category matters more than the exact wording of the error.

How Categorization Helps Troubleshooting

Knowing the category helps you decide:

  • Whether to keep troubleshooting locally

  • Whether to try another device or network

  • Whether waiting or contacting support makes more sense

This prevents repeated fixes that don’t apply to the real cause.

When Categorization Matters Most

Error categories are especially helpful when:

  • Issues persist across devices

  • Multiple websites fail at once

  • Errors return after being “fixed”

  • Changes don’t seem to stick

In these cases, the issue is usually outside your local setup.

Final Tip

Website errors are not random. They usually follow patterns based on where the failure occurs. Understanding whether an issue is client-side, server-side, or network-related saves time and reduces frustration.

Scroll to Top