Hostname length

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Subject: Hostname length

mike mcclernon

Dec 18, 2000 19:23:37 GMT

We have cold installed a server with 11.00 and have given it a 10 digit host name. We can execute the hostname command and it will return the name. We are having trouble running SAM in certain areas. It will prompt us for a hostname, and then will not allow us to put in the new name.
If I use the uname -S command, it states the host name cannot be longer than 9 characters.

We have changed the param.h file to MAXHOSTNAMELEN = 64.

If this is the place to specify the hostname length, how is the file executed or when in the boot cycle is it read. We were unable to find a kernel parameter to change host length.

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Rita C Workman This member has accumulated 7500 or more points

Dec 18, 2000 19:28:28 GMT Unassigned

This has been discussed a few times.
Here's the rule:
8 character limit for hostnames

Yes it says 64...but thats only when your going to set up for aliasing it...So you may want to review this at:

http://my1.itrc.hp.com/cm/QuestionAnswer/1,1150,0xeecad06ed8c8d4118fef0090279cd0f9!1,00.html

You can also do a Search on Hostname length or restrictions.

/rcw

Paul Frederiksen

Dec 18, 2000 19:58:43 GMT Unassigned

If you set it for more than 8, it probably just ignores any otther characters after the 8th.

Richard Darling This member has accumulated 500 or more points

Dec 19, 2000 02:49:05 GMT Unassigned

rename it to 8 or less using:

set_parms hostname

anymore and you are asking for trouble...from one who knows...

Dan Hetzel This member has accumulated 2500 or more points

Dec 19, 2000 05:39:03 GMT Unassigned

Hi Mike,

As Rita said, the actual limit is 8 characters, starting with an alphabetic char, even if the file sys/param.h states the limit is 64.

This is to guarantee compatibility with any name server (different O/S) and with old code where the 8 char limit was enforced.

Best regards,

Dan

Vincente Fernandes Expert in this area

Dec 19, 2000 08:09:42 GMT Unassigned

The best thing is to keep hostname within the 8 characters limit even though you can have hostname upto 64 char just to avoid all sorts of problems.

Jagadesh

Nov 6, 2003 07:40:18 GMT Unassigned

Thanks for the information.

What is the maximum lenght of Hostname. As the reply i come to know that is 64, but kindly clarify me whether is it 64 or 63.

Thanks
Jagadesh

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