I just got a new set of servers and my web server (running Gentoo) takes a minimum of 20 seconds to connect to *any* db server. E.g. I have no idea what its doing in the 20 seconds. This is via the command line mysql command and the PHP mysql extensions. If I specify a invalid host it returns immediately with a error. Also during the 20 seconds it does appear on the db server as logging in when I run SHOW PROCESSLIST; so the connection has been made when it decides to hang. Here is a trace file: http://69.16.242.11/mysql.trace It occurs with any db server so its a problem with the MySQL client. I have tested it againt my new db server and my home db server. I am using MySQL 4.1.20. If anyone has any idea what could be causing it or any suggestions for debugging the problem it would be greatly appriciated.