Description of problem: the check_link_down function in /etc/sysconfig/network-scripts/network-functions is too short for our network. We are on a Cisco Catalyst 4507R and it takes ages for the link to come up. Version-Release number of selected component (if applicable): 7.93.24.EL-1.1 How reproducible: Most of the time Steps to Reproduce: 1. Configure eth0 to dhcp 2. run "ifup eth0" 3. Actual results: Determining IP information for eth0... failed; no link present. Check cable? Expected results: Determining IP information for eth0... done. Additional info: Our temporary fix is to change while [ $timeout -le 10 ]; do into while [ $timeout -le 20 ]; do This file is marked as a config file so it is OK if we update, but this should have a better default, or at least be user configurabe.
This will be fixed for RHEL 5 via the LINKDELAY parameter. Red Hat does not currently plan to provide a resolution for this in a Red Hat Enterprise Linux update for currently deployed systems. With the goal of minimizing risk of change for deployed systems, and in response to customer and partner requirements, Red Hat takes a conservative approach when evaluating changes for inclusion in maintenance updates for currently deployed products. The primary objectives of update releases are to enable new hardware platform support and to resolve critical defects.