TimeoutError
asyncio.exceptions.TimeoutError
Stack trace
asyncio.exceptions.TimeoutError: The request to Ollama API endpoint timed out after waiting for the response.
Why it happens
This timeout occurs when the Ollama API server is unreachable, overloaded, or network connectivity is poor, causing the client to wait beyond the allowed time for a response. It can also happen if the client timeout setting is too low for the server's response time.
Detection
Monitor API call durations and catch asyncio.exceptions.TimeoutError to log slow or unresponsive Ollama endpoint calls before they crash your app.
Causes & fixes
Ollama server is down or unreachable due to network issues
Check network connectivity and Ollama server status; retry the request after confirming the server is online.
Client timeout setting is too low for the Ollama API response time
Increase the timeout parameter in the Ollama client configuration to allow more time for the server to respond.
High server load causing delayed responses from Ollama API
Implement exponential backoff retries and monitor server load; consider load balancing or scaling Ollama server if self-hosted.
Firewall or proxy blocking requests to Ollama API endpoint
Verify firewall and proxy settings to ensure requests to Ollama API endpoint are allowed and not blocked.
Code: broken vs fixed
import ollama
client = ollama
response = client.chat(model="llama2", messages=[{"role": "user", "content": "Hello"}])
print(response)import ollama
# Increase timeout by retrying with delay
import time
messages = [{"role": "user", "content": "Hello"}]
for attempt in range(3):
try:
response = ollama.chat(model="llama2", messages=messages)
print(response)
break
except TimeoutError:
print(f"Attempt {attempt + 1} timed out. Retrying...")
time.sleep(5)
else:
print("Ollama API request timed out after multiple attempts.")Workaround
Wrap Ollama API calls in try/except TimeoutError and implement a retry mechanism with delays to handle intermittent endpoint timeouts.
Prevention
Use robust network monitoring and set appropriate client timeout values; implement retries with exponential backoff and circuit breakers to avoid cascading failures from Ollama API timeouts.