A system and method for identifying a communication connection with an interim identifier prior to recognition of an original or previous identifier received via the connection. A first server or server process receives a service request (e.g., for an application, a web page or other data), and associates an original identifier with the request via one or more log entries. The request is forwarded to a second server or server process for additional or final processing. The second server associates an interim identifier with the communication connection established to receive the service request from the first server. The interim identifier is logged with one or more events associated with establishment of the connection and/or receipt and processing of the service request. When the original identifier is read and recognized, the interim identifier is bridged or mapped to the original identifier via a distinct log entry.