When trying to ssh into a server that is hung, the ssh won't timeout. The remote server responds to a ping, but nothing else (ssh, telnet - console is dead).

I have automated processes that login to many dozens of servers via ssh. When hitting these servers (two are hanging like this 2-3 times a month), the automated process hangs and never continues to the remaining servers.

Obviously, pinging the remote server to see if it is alive won't work, because it does answer, yet it is otherwise dead. Any ideas how to timeout the ssh or alternate method to see if the server is alive before attempting the ssh?

RH AS3.0, update4 / Dell 1[789]50, 2[678]50 series servers.

You can set the timeout. For example:

ssh -o ConnectTimeout=10 user@host

The value is in seconds. More info in 'man ssh'.

thanks for the info - it was a big help. Interesting that the options aren't listed on my system man/info pages, but I did find them online after seeing your response.