this disclosure describes , generally , methods and systems for managing connections within a connection pool . the method includes initializing a plurality of connections . the plurality of connections are configured to pierce a firewall . the method further includes placing the plurality of connections in a connection pool , and storing creation times for each of the plurality of connections . the method then determines the firewall &# 39 ; s connection teardown time period and , based at least in part on the firewall &# 39 ; s connection teardown time period , setting the connection pool &# 39 ; s connection teardown time period to be at least less than the firewall &# 39 ; s connection teardown time period .