mysql_real_connect() function call hangs

[deepa balu]

I have 4 server setup where i am using libnss for authentication.

My Mysql server machine nfs goes down, so mysql hangs.

Now i am not able to login to any of the other 3 servers bcos the api call mysql_real_connect()  hangs .

Is there any way i can set up a timeout when eshtablishing a connecction?
The api call should disconnect automatically after 5 seconds ..
something like that..

[Ben Goodwin]

You'll want to set an appropriate connect timeout option in your system's my.cnf file.  I don't recall the exact syntax offhand but I'm sure it's a well-documented MySQL configuration option.