diff --git a/etc/xen-tools.conf b/etc/xen-tools.conf
index a6a305c..b524440 100644
--- a/etc/xen-tools.conf
+++ b/etc/xen-tools.conf
@@ -130,6 +130,7 @@ image  = sparse   # Specify sparse vs. full disk images.
 #
 # gateway   = 192.168.1.1
 # netmask   = 255.255.255.0
+# broadcast = 192.168.1.255
 #
 # Uncomment this if you wish the images to use DHCP
 #
diff --git a/hooks/debian/40-setup-networking b/hooks/debian/40-setup-networking
index 8dd944e..2a22b39 100755
--- a/hooks/debian/40-setup-networking
+++ b/hooks/debian/40-setup-networking
@@ -77,6 +77,14 @@ setupStaticNetworking ()
         point=''
     fi
 
+    #
+    # broadcast address?
+    #
+    bcast='';
+    if [ ! -z "${broadcast}" ]; then
+      bcast = ' broadcast ${broadcast}'
+    fi
+
     #
     # We have a static IP address
     #
@@ -94,6 +102,7 @@ iface eth0 inet static
  address ${ip1}
  gateway ${gateway}
  netmask ${netmask}
+ ${bcast}
  ${point}
  # post-up  ethtool -K eth0 tx off
 
diff --git a/hooks/edgy/40-setup-networking b/hooks/edgy/40-setup-networking
index eb51a40..8d04c63 100755
--- a/hooks/edgy/40-setup-networking
+++ b/hooks/edgy/40-setup-networking
@@ -67,6 +67,14 @@ E_O_DHCP
 #
 setupStaticNetworking ()
 {
+    #
+    # broadcast address?
+    #
+    bcast='';
+    if [ ! -z "${broadcast}" ]; then
+      bcast = ' broadcast ${broadcast}'
+    fi
+
     #
     # We have a static IP address
     #
@@ -84,6 +92,7 @@ iface eth0 inet static
  address ${ip1}
  gateway ${gateway}
  netmask ${netmask}
+ ${bcast}
  # post-up  ethtool -K eth0 tx off
 
 #