We can easily resolve the “Could Not Connect to mirrors.linode.com:80” error using the steps in our article. Bobcares, as a part of our Linode Managed Services offers solutions to every query that comes our way.

Overview

1. Resolving the “Could Not Connect to mirrors.linode.com:80” Error
2. Common Causes
3. How to Fix It?
4. Prevention Tips
5. Conclusion

Resolving the “Could Not Connect to mirrors.linode.com:80” Error

The error message “Could not connect to mirrors.linode.com:80” often appears when a system fails to establish a connection to the Linode mirror server. This server provides essential resources like software packages and updates, and the error disrupts the normal operation of package management tools. Here, we break down the causes, symptoms, and solutions to resolve this issue effectively.

What is mirrors.linode.com?

Linode Mirror Server: A server hosted by Linode that mirrors Ubuntu packages and updates.

Port 80: The default port for HTTP traffic. The error indicates a failure to connect over this port.

Common Causes

1. Network Connectivity Issues: The Linode instance may lack outbound network connectivity.

2. Firewall Blocking Connections: Firewall rules may block access to the mirror server.

3. End of Life (EOL) Ubuntu Version: If the Ubuntu version is past its EOL, the Linode mirror server stops supporting it.

4. Misconfigured Sources: Incorrect entries in the /etc/apt/sources.list file can cause the system to look for unavailable resources.

5. Proxy Server Problems: Misconfigured proxies may block access to the mirror server.

When attempting an update, we may encounter:

Or similar messages indicating the inability to connect to the Linode mirror server.

How to Fix It?

1. Verify Network Connectivity

Test if the Linode instance has outbound connectivity:

curl -I linode.com
curl -I google.com

2. Check Firewall Rules

Ensure that the firewall isn’t blocking connections to port 80:

iptables -L -nv –line-numbers

Allow required ports:

sudo ufw allow 80/tcp
sudo ufw allow 443/tcp

3. Update Sources List for EOL Versions

Modify /etc/apt/sources.list to use Ubuntu’s old-release server:

sudo nano /etc/apt/sources.list

Replace:

http://mirrors.linode.com/ubuntu

With:

http://old-releases.ubuntu.com/ubuntu

4. Ping or Trace the Server

Check if the server is reachable:

ping mirrors.linode.com
traceroute mirrors.linode.com

5. Update Ubuntu

Consider upgrading to a supported Ubuntu version for continued updates:

sudo do-release-upgrade

Prevention Tips

1. Regular Updates: Avoid using EOL Ubuntu versions by upgrading the system timely.

2. Firewall Maintenance: Keep firewall rules updated to ensure smooth connectivity.

3. Use Supported Sources: Always verify the validity of the sources in the configuration file.

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Conclusion

The “Could not connect to mirrors.linode.com:80” error typically arises due to network issues, outdated Ubuntu versions, or misconfigurations. By following the steps outlined, we can restore connectivity and ensure smooth access to necessary updates. Keeping the system updated and well-maintained is essential to prevent such errors in the future.