DHCP Timeout

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Level 1

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DHCP Timeout

I need to change my dhcp time out in 10.5.4.
I've researched everywhere and I can't find out how. My macbook self assigns an ip address after 5 or so seconds. Yes I can set my IP manually but for some reason the satellite internet system I am on throttles my connection to 6 kB/s down and 2-3 kB/s up when I don't use DHCP. Windows XP direct cable to the switch works fine but they take about 30-45 seconds to grab an IP address. My dlink router also will not grab an IP as it takes too long.
I've been reading everywhere so if you can tell me how to change it great, I don't need to know anything else.
Thanks!
Tyler

Macbook intel, Mac OS X (10.5.4)

Posted on Jul 18, 2008 2:55 PM

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Answer 1

baltwo

Level 9

62,386 points

Jul 18, 2008 3:24 PM in response to zarge

Start with the returns from a google search for *mac os x dhcp timeout*

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Answer 2

Aug 2, 2008 1:51 PM in response to baltwo

baltwo, your response is rude.

I reached this very page through a google search for "mac os x dhcp timeout." You are no help, you have only served to frustrate me and surely thousands of other users in similar situations. Either you know the answer to our question or you do not. If the answer is no, then the best way to be a part of the solution is to stay silent.

I still haven't found a way to change the DHCP timeout, and mine timeouts after two seconds. If I could extend that to 20 seconds, I might be able to use DHCP again, but until then I'm stuck googling with no results.

Cheers,
Tim

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Answer 3

Oct 3, 2008 10:46 AM in response to zarge

did you ever find a solution? I'm looking for the same answer.

thanks,
Kris

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Answer 4

Dogcow-Moof

Level 8

36,833 points

Oct 4, 2008 2:18 AM in response to Kristen Dietiker

I suspect the easiest thing to do may be to buy a router that has a selectable DHCP timeout time.

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Answer 5

Dogcow-Moof

Level 8

36,833 points

Oct 4, 2008 3:16 AM in response to Dogcow-Moof

I found what may do it, but it will require use of Terminal.

In the file /System/Library/SystemConfiguration/IPConfiguration.bundle/Contents/Resources/IP Configuration.xml, you'll find the lines:

<key>InitialRetryTimeSeconds</key>
 <integer>1</integer>

The "1" is the field you'll need to change to "8" or larger.

Next, look for the lines:

<key>MaximumRetryTimeSeconds</key>
 <integer>8</integer>

The "8" is the field you need to change to "60" or larger, depending on what you think the maximum time will be to obtain a DHCP address from your satellite modem.

For your own safety and sanity, be sure to backup the IPConfiguration.xml file before editing it.

You'll also need to reboot your Mac after making the changes to this file.

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Answer 6

Oct 4, 2008 5:00 AM in response to Dogcow-Moof

I have come to this a bit late, but if the OP is using a DLink router, does this not have a config page (usually accessed through the browser). My router uses the IP number which is quite common for access to the relevant pages and the timeout setting is easily changed.

More information from OP? Or did I miss something?

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