diff --git a/debian/networking b/debian/networking
index fe7c86d..5856199 100644
--- a/debian/networking
+++ b/debian/networking
@@ -15,3 +15,9 @@ SYSLOG="no"
 
 # Exclude interfaces
 EXCLUDE_INTERFACES=
+
+# Set to 'yes' if you want to skip ifdown during system reboot
+# and shutdown. This is of interest in large scale interface
+# deployments where you dont want to wait for interface
+# deconfiguration to speed up shutdown/reboot
+SKIP_DOWN_AT_SYSRESET="yes"