ServerSocket does not throw an IOException for a port that is in use.

Oracle is reporting an issue during 10g Enterprise Manager tests. This is putting their testing on hold.

ServerSocket call gives expected IOException for a used port in jdk 1.2.2, but the call for the same port does not give the IOException in jdk 1.4.2_08. Also, in jdk 1.4.2_08, another port does give the expected IOException.

They wish to know if there is a way to obtain a free port #, that can be used for the testing, instead of cycling through port #s.