Newbie: DHCP, HostName, sys-unconfig

Sun Ultra 5
Solaris 8
Linksys BEFSR41 Router
Background:
I am configuring my first Sun system.
I installed Solaris 8 (02/02) and have the system running. This is actually my second install on this machine due to a problem (caused by me).
Problem:
The system reports that there is no hostname. I have looked at the online documentation and have run sys-unconfig several times.
When I run sys-unconfig, as root, I open a console, type sys-uncofig, and then answer y to reboot. The system reboots (usually -- sometimes there is a RPC error and the system halts. I press STOP + A to regain access and then type boot at the ok prompt). When the system reboots, I get a language question, IPv6 question, and usually a DHCP question. I answer yes to IPv6 andselect DHCP. Then I usuallly get an error after confirming all prompts indicating that since the machine booted from the network, DHCP was not available. My problem is (probably many), I am never prompted for a hostname. I also never seem to complete the sys-uncofig scripts without some type of error. Oddly, my previous install did not have this problem and I was able to set my hostname previously.
I have referred to the online documentation (recommending using sys-uncofig to reset the hostname). There is no /etc/nodename file on the machine currently so I cannot just change this file.
Any help would be appreciated. I am concerned that the sys-unconfig never seems to prompt me for the appropriate questions.
Shannon Brown

Thank you for the help.
The problem does seem to be due to my selection of
DHCP first. I probably got confused following the
first installation. I thought that I did this before
(select DHCP right away) but may not have. I will try
the suggestions and post the results.The problem here, which I have as well with this Linksys router, is the DHCP server. It does serve IP addresses but not hostnames. It's really TurboLinux inside the router, you'd think one could specify hostnames as well but there is no way to configure such things. The Sun box simply gets an IP without the hostname.
I tried changing the two files specified previously, I don't believe this works. I had CDE going crazy trying to associate unknown with loopback or something. Try setting these, then selecting Host->This Host. No go.

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Sunblade 1500 rebooting after giving sys-unconfig command

hello gurus,
As I am facing problem since the sunblade 1500 is not booting after I gave sys-unconfig command, I edited all the files related to N/ws, domain name, hostname etc..and rebooted the system.
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Last edited by alphazo (2012-11-20 14:35:08)

How to change IP address and subnet mask without using the sys-unconfig ?

I have Solaris 10 x86. I've ran into problems using the sys-unconfig command
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Edited by: HarryC on Jun 25, 2009 9:29 AM

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be using the 5 that I'd had for ages. I recently
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when I could log into it. When connecting to the
console I was greeted with the familiar CURSES
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- jonathan

Zone install failing on sys-unconfig

Hi,
I am building 6 virtualised servers from flash archives of existing machines for a dev environment.
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what should i do to progress this install.
Cheers,
ram.

check ptree of zone install command and see if you can kill the child sys-unconfig command. post us ptree of zone install and also truss -fp on zone install process when it hungs.

Apple built-in vpn client and dhcp hostnames

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Thanks.

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Solaris 10 zone configuration with sysidcfg and dhcp and hostname

Hi
Excuse me if I look like a n00b... it's probably because I'm a n00b.
I've been struggling in the dark for more than 2 days now and I'm wondering if I'm thinking about this all wrong...
I have stand-alone server where I need to run zones. I want to create zones and automagically configure them at boot (read: by running a script). So here's what I need...
A zone
starting from unconfigured state
whose hostname is not the same as the zone name
using corporate DHCP to get its IP address
with DNS config coming from the DHCP server
registering its address the DNS
with a preconfigured root password
(I don't own the corporate DHCP or DNS servers, I can't put my own DHCP or DNS servers on the network.)
I would lke to create the zone, throw some config at it, then boot the zone and walk away. I am using zones with exclusive-IP. I can construct the zones and manually configure them once they're started to have DHCP, my own name, registered IP address with DNS and everything else I have specified above. But I don't want to do it manually...
Sysidcfg seems to do some of what I want but not entirely.
In sysidcfg I can set the root_password, the primary interface using DHCP, DNS server. I can't set a hostname in sysidcfg AND use configure it for DHCP. So the hostname is not what I want it to be after the zone is started and ready to go. The DHCP server is providing the DNS configuration, Solaris does not seem to honour it, but i'll ignore that for the moment.
I have tried various combinations of using sysidcfg, /etc/nodename, /etc/hostname.+interface+ and /etc/dhcp.+interface+ but I can't find any combination that actually works.
I can write to the zonestorage/etc/nodename to set the nodename, that works. But it does not match the DHCP address, so I get prompted for a new name service because it can't find a DNS entry for the name.
I can write to the zonestorage/etc/hostname.+interface+ and /etc/dhcp.+interface+ (to get the system to register its name with the DNS server after getting its DHCP address) but then I get a system with no root password and no DNS configuration, even though they are set in the sysidcfg file.
I can write a script that gets part of the way using sysidcfg and /etc/... files, then boots the zone and then runs a bunch of voodoo via zlogin commands to fix all the stuff that couldn't be done 'properly', but that's not a 'boot and walk away' environment. I can write a script that uses sysidcfg and hacks around with other files in /etc (like nsswitch.conf, resolv.conf), but that just feels likes a dirty hack to fix something that wasn't done properly in the first place.
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Thanks

Thanks abrante
Thanks for your response!
I don't think the config is messed up after the installation. I think the installation is fine, it's just not what I want :-)
I'm trying to decouple the zonename from the system name and get DNS registrations working. After installation, a DHCP client can get its hostname from DNS but I'm trying to do it the other way around. I want the DHCP client specify its own hostname, get an address from the DHCP server and then register its hostname with DNS. If the system gets its name from DNS/DHCP then I have to configure those to provide the system name and I don't own the DHCP/DNS infrastructure. These zones are for a development/QA environment, so we create and reconfigure these frequently. Hence the need to specify the system name within the zone and register that name in the DNS.
I have tried fiddling with the PARAM_REQUEST_LIST but it does not seem to be working as I expect. :-$ Removing 12 did not help with setting the hostname from the system. DNS does not have a registered name for this system anyway, so even if it tried to get a name for this system, it would get nothing.
I also do want the DHCP to change the DNS server and domain name, but this does not happen even though my dhcpagent includes 6 and 15 in the PARAM_REQUEST_LIST. I still have to set them in the sysidcfg file because it is always ignored in Solaris (S10u8 with 10_Recommended 30-Jul-2010)
As stated, I know I can hack around with the system after it has booted. But I'm trying to configure the system before it starts and let it take care of itself and not have to touch it. Frankly I'm surprised that the sysidcfg does not allow you to set a hostname name when you are using DHCP, that the default DHCP configuration does not register the system name with the DNS server, and the DNS config from the DHCP response is ignored. Even a sys-unconfiged system requires DNS configuration during initial boot, when I know that the DHCP response contains DNS information.
FYI: Windows systems using DHCP work as expected in this respect by default, i.e. set system name, use DHCP --> system gets address from corporate DHCP, DNS settings are set from DHCP information, DNS registration is made for system name.
I'm working around this at the moment... I call my zone by the system name I want, I hardcode the DNS settings in the sysidcfg file and I create the hostname.+nic+ and dhcp.+nic+ files in the zone storage to get the system to register its name with DNS, them boot.
Edited by: cydonian on Aug 19, 2010 7:45 PM

Problem with hostname after enabling dhcp

i just installed a solaris10 non-networked because there was no network connection when i installed it. but recently, we were able to connect it to a network which required me to enable dhcp which i did with a sys-unconfig command.
the problem is, the hostname i have for this machine is currently "unknown" and i don't know how to set it to another name,
i've tried the procedure in doc.sun.com but still will not work.
thanks

Hello,
I had the same problem with Solaris 9 for 3 months.
I used the following documentation :
#3477
2. For Solaris 8 systems.
Edit the file /etc/init.d/network and change the line that reads
"dhcp") hostname=`/sbin/dhcpinfo Hostname` ;;
to
# "dhcp") hostname=`/sbin/dhcpinfo Hostname` ;;
"dhcp") hostname=`shcat /etc/nodename` ;;
Then, edit the file /etc/init.d/inetsvc and change the line that reads
hostname=`/sbin/dhcpinfo Hostname`
to
# hostname=`/sbin/dhcpinfo Hostname`
hostname=`/usr/bin/cat /etc/nodename`
Save the files and reboot the system. The system's hostname will be the
entry in the file /etc/nodename.
Else try the docid : 71848
Good luck

Unknown hostname & DHCP

I have a Solaris 8 IA box. During installation, a host name was never prompted for, and I selected DHCP. From comments in the forum, it appears the hostname of 'unknown' may be due to the fact that I selected DHCP.
I have tried using admintool, the command hostname, and ifconfig to no avail.
I would like to diable the DHCP, plus specify a new hostname. (As a matter of curiosity, can a alternate host be selected if DHCP is left enabled?)
Can someone help?
Thanks in advance
Jake

I seems also have such problem.
And I feel it is really weird, because after I rebooted the system several times, and di "sys-unconfig" sever times (each time input and configure exactly the same), it is all OK now.
I wonder Solaris (at least 8 for x86) sometimes do not save my configuration. One obvious example is, when I logout CDE and relogin, sometimes it will startup the default welcome screen with the Help and File folder on screen (sometime is sometime not), as if I am the first time login.
Strange.

[SOLVED] Hostname not showing in DHCP lease list

This is a brand new installation using the new systemd base.
Installed openbox as window manager and Network Manager.
What did I miss that the hostname of this computer (opus) is not showing up in the DHCP Leases list?
When I connect to the network using Network Manger(DHCP), hostname is not sent to the DHCP server (DNSmasq). It shows up as a "*":
DHCP leases
Hostname    IP-address    MAC-address    Lease expires
*    192.168.10.100    XX:XX:XX:XX:XX:XX Nov 28th, 19:34
*    192.168.10.59    XX:XX:XX:XX:XX:XX Nov 28th, 19:23
alarmpi    192.168.10.69    XX:XX:XX:XX:XX:XX Nov 28th, 16:56
RM696    192.168.10.97    XX:XX:XX:XX:XX:XX Nov 28th, 18:23
(I blanked out the MAC-addresses.)
The first entry is connecting through wireless. The second is wired.
At the command line:
hostname
opus
hostname -f
localhost.localdomain
/etc/hosts:
# /etc/hosts: static lookup table for host names
#<ip-address> <hostname.domain.org> <hostname>
127.0.0.1 localhost.localdomain localhost opus
::1 localhost.localdomain localhost opus
# End of file
What file do I need to change and how?
Updated:
1) I created a /etc/dhclient.conf file and added:
send host-name "opus";
request subnet-mask, broadcast-address, time-offset, routers,
domain-search, domain-name, domain-name-servers, host-name;
and rebooted.
This had no effect.
2) Just for kicks, I uninstalled Network Manager and installed Wicd.
This DID send the hostname and it displayed on the DHCP Leases List. But it also had the effect of turning off the WiFi radio.
I did try to turn it back on: Went to the BIOS, made sure it was on (it was). Read some posts about power savings and what to do (tried them, didn't work).
So I uninstalled Wicd, re-installed Network Manager and I am back to where I was.
Last edited by dastagg (2012-11-29 11:15:11)

Sorry, forgot to add this:
https://bbs.archlinux.org/viewtopic.php?id=152376
Follow the instructions on the bottom.

DHCP client hostname unknown

I have a SunBlade using Solaris 9 with the DHCP client. I am requesting the DHCP information from a w2k box that is sharing my DSL connection. I cannot seem to get the configuration to provide a hostname (always comes back "unknown"). Any suggestions?

Hi there,
Edit the file /etc/init.d/network and change the line that reads
"dhcp") hostname=`/sbin/dhcpinfo Hostname` ;;
to
# "dhcp") hostname=`/sbin/dhcpinfo Hostname` ;;
"dhcp") hostname=`/usr/bin/cat /etc/nodename` ;;
Then, edit the file /etc/init.d/inetsvc and change the line that reads
hostname=`/sbin/dhcpinfo Hostname`
to
# hostname=`/sbin/dhcpinfo Hostname`
hostname=`/usr/bin/cat /etc/nodename`
Save the files and reboot the system. The system's hostname will be the
entry in the file /etc/nodename.
Regards,
Chris

Problem with hostname Solaris 10

I am a complete newbie to Solaris. I purchased a Sun machine with 9 on and upgraded it to 10 without many problems apart from not geting the network to work.
On the install of 10 I was asked for domain name and hostname.
Following much differing and I would say incorrect advice on setting up network on 10 gathered from these pages I used the sys-unconfig to try to get the network to work each time with no problem.
Following advice to create 3 files dhcp.le0, hostname.le0 the last one I forget I rebooted. On reboot there were a number of problems and nothing loaded I removed the files rebooted and then did a sys-unconfig.
Eventually I got the network to work but I had lost the hostname even with placing it is hostname.hme0 and rebooting. I sys-unconfig a number of times but was not asked for the hostname as on previous occasions.
I then went for a total new fresh install but I was not asked for a hostname on trying to use sys-unconfig to install the hostname it somehow on reboot would not load the screen.
I am as typing this on another fresh install of 10 but I have not been asked to give the hostname or domain. This implies when the new install runs it will be as "unknown".
Can anyone point me in the right direction to getting a hostname now that I have cracked the network and Samba.
It appears in my very limited knowledge of Sun and Solaris that the hostname and domaon name are not part of a new software install but are read by the software from somewhere else otherwise why should it miss out on these two crutial pieces of information.
Your help would be much appreciated

Put the desired hostname in the /etc/nodename file, then edit the /etc/default/dhcpagent file and remove "12" from the PARAM_REQUEST_LIST which can be found in the bottom of the list.
The /etc/nodename controls the hostname of the machine, the dhcpagent file instructs your DHCP agent what information it should get from the DHCP server, 12 indicates that it should ask for a hostname, if no hostname is found it will use "unknown".
Personally i'm not much in favour of sys-unconfig, but ive also noticed that a lot of people here likes it..

Solaris 10 Dev. Edition - Network config issue (NIC,DHCP,Can't ping router)

I am a developer getting started with Solaris 10 configuration. I recently installed Solaris 10 and have run into an issue with network connectivity.
I have done much research on this and I was able to get communiction to the internet established once, but the settings were lost on reboot.
Overview - The Solaris box is connected to a router which is acting as a DHCP server.
AMD 64 dual 2.6
nForce4+ integrated NIC
1) I am not able to obtain an address from the router. Nor do I get a respons back when I ping it. I get an IP etc if I boot into Windows so phyicial connectivity is fine.
2) Upon reboot the device nfo0 as shown using ifconfig -a has an IP of 0.0.0.0.
3) If I run ifconfig [hostname] my machine gets the ip from the hosts file, but I would like to obtain this from the router.
4) NOTE - the machine shows as active on my router, but the Solaris box cannot be reached from other computers on the networ, nor do I get a reply back when pinging the router from the Solaris box.
GOAL - reach and obtain a DHCP from the router and have the changes stick upon reboot.
/etc/hosts contents
127.0.0.1 localhost loghost
192.168.1.55 solarisX /*<-- this is what I get when I do ifconfig nfo0 solarisX */
/etc/hosname.nfo0
netmask + 255.255.255.0
solarisX
/etc/defaultrouter
192.168.1.254
/et c/netmasks
192.168.0.0 255.255.2550
Specific Steps taken:
Using the driver nfo-2.4.5 locate at http://homepage2.nifty.com/mrym3/taiyodo/eng/ I did the following.
% cd /.../nfo-x.x.x
% rm obj Makefile
% ln -s Makefile.${KARCH}_${COMPILER} Makefile
% ln -s ${KARCH} obj
where ${KARCH} is the result of `isainfo -n`, and ${COMPILER} is
"gcc" or "suncc" which you want to use to make the driver.
4. Testing
Testing before installation is strongly recommended.
# cd /.../nfo-x.x.x
# /usr/ccs/bin/make install
# ./adddrv.sh
# /usr/ccs/bin/make uninstall (for solaris7, don't remove the file )
# modload obj/nfo
# devfsadm -i nfo (for solaris7, use drvconfig and reboot with -r )
# ifconfig nfoN plumb ( where N is an instance number, typcally 0 for first card)
# ifconfig -a ( you will see an entry for nfoN)
# ifconfig nfoN YOUR-HOST-NAME
# ifconfig nfoN ( ensure IP address is correct)
# ifconfig nfoN up ( and then you can test with ping, telnet, ftp ...)
5. Installation
After you ensure that the nfo driver is fully functional, install it.
(1) copy the nfo driver into the kernel directory
# cd /.../nfo-x.x.x
# /usr/ccs/bin/make install
If you do not test the nfo driver yet, execute the following commands:
# ./adddrv.sh
# devfsadm -i nfo (for solaris7, use drvconfig and reboot with -r)
(2) Configure the network interface. Create and/or modify the following file:
/etc/hostname.nfoN
(3) Reboot the system.
# init 6
Edited by: hedger on Nov 16, 2007 11:17 PM

Thanks Alan. I worked on trying to get the NIC working again last night. I had it working once, although the settings did not perist. I can still get the device to load, but I can't communciate with the router (it's not physical because another OS can reach it.
I took your advice and tried the sys-unconfig. But I did not have much success.
I am wondering if plopping in a new PCI NIC would be the most efficient route to get the server up.
What kind of NIC do you utilize and have had success with?
I am looking at possibly a DLINK DFE-530 or NetGear FA-311. I don't need wireless at this point just a rock solid DEV box.
Thanks again for the previous info.
Ted

Pls Help a newbie get connected

I am trying to connect my Solaris 10 partitions (dual boot with W2K) to the internet. My W2K boot can access the internet without any problems. I have been searching the internet for days and tried everything I could understand and still can't get online. I am extremely new to Solaris and Unix commands, so please be explicit in any help.
Here are the results of some "standard" answers to questions I have seen asked around this same problem.
ifconfig -a
inet 127.0.0.1 netmask ff000000
netstat -rn
Routing Table IPv4
Destination Gateway Flags Ref Use Interface
127.0.0.1 127.0.01 UH 30 104 lo0
grep host /etc/nsswitch.conf
"hosts:" and "services" in this file are used only if the
hosts: files dns
#cat /etc/resolv.conf
cat: cannot open /etc/resolv.conf
traceroute www.sun.com
traceroute: unknown host www.sun.com
Here is the information I do knw about my system but don't know how to set in Solaris
IP Address needs to be: 192.168.10.2 (W2K boot says this)
Info from my other W2K machine:
Subnet Mask . . . . . . . . . . . : 255.255.255.0
Default Gateway . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.10.1
DHCP Server . . . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.10.1
DNS Servers . . . . . . . . . . . : 192.168.10.1
I have tried everything I could find but still can't get anywhere but don't always understand the directions. Please help, I need to get this up and running asap.

i have tried moving hostname.rtls0 and the dhcp.rtls0 file doesn't exist but still got the error message telling me to delete /etc/dhcp.lo0~. I don't understand this error, i deleted this file days ago. i created it accidently when i thought lo0 was my network card.
So, i can't get inetmenu to run at all because of this phantom file...any ideas?
Also, I everytime I try and run sys-unconfig, it tells me "couldn't contact a dhcp server on the network interface rtls0. So I wind up choosing NO for dhcp.
I set my following info in sys-unconfig
hostname to monticello
ip address: 192.168.10.2 (what my W2K partition says)
netmask: 255.255.255.0
router ip: 192.168.10.1 (from nslookup)
name service: none (per your advice)
I also get the following to warning messages while the system is booting.
Warning: unexpected "token" 8139 in line 307 in /etc/driver_aliases
Warning: missing alias pci10ec in line 307 in /etc/driver_aliases
When the desktop loads i still have no network connection..
What am I doing wrong? I am very new to Solaris and Unix and have no clue at all...

Newbie: DHCP, HostName, sys-unconfig

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