The present invention is directed to providing improved device boot times on a network while that network is congested. According to embodiments of the present invention, when a device initializes, it listens for a congestion alert message before making a request for configuration information. If a congestion alert message is not received, a request for configuration information may be sent without further delay. Alternatively, if a network congestion message is received, the device may implement an alternate connection request sequence, in which transmission of a request for configuration information is delayed. The period of delay may be predetermined, random, or a period of time recommended as part of the congestion alert signal.