Network and Connectivity Issues

Network problems manifest in various ways during signature processes. Slow connections cause timeouts during document upload or signature creation. Intermittent connectivity leads to partial completion and confused states. Corporate firewalls and proxies might block signature platform connections or timestamp authority communications. VPN configurations can route traffic inefficiently or trigger geographic restrictions. Network troubleshooting requires systematic isolation of issues through tools like traceroute and packet capture.

Offline signing capabilities vary significantly between platforms. Some require constant connectivity, while others support disconnected operation with later synchronization. Users in areas with poor connectivity or those who travel frequently need platforms supporting offline workflows. However, offline signing introduces challenges for timestamp accuracy and revocation checking. Organizations should assess connectivity requirements and choose platforms matching their users' network realities.

API rate limits and throttling affect high-volume signature scenarios. Platforms protect infrastructure by limiting requests per user or organization. Batch operations hitting these limits might fail partially, leaving systems in inconsistent states. Retry logic must handle rate limit responses gracefully. Monitoring API usage and working with vendors to understand and potentially increase limits prevents business disruption. Architectural patterns like queuing and batching optimize API usage.