Re: [cobalt-users] Administering DNS on a RaQ2

[Jeff Lasman <jblists@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

At 11:18 AM 2/1/00  Larry Nedry wrote:

> As my ISP is extremely slow in updating their DNS records, I want to
> administer my own DNS server on my Raq2.  I have a range of addresses
> assigned to me, that I believe are a subset of a class C block.  In trying
> to figure out the right steps to take to set this up correctly, I have come
> up with some questions.
>
> - Is the Raq2's DNS server meant to be used as a master or a slave server?

It can be used properly as either.  That said, I've never administered DNS 
through the RaQs gui interface; I have no idea how to do it.  When I start 
using Bind on my RaQ, I'll administer it completely by hand.

> - What do I need to do to make my DNS server authoritative?

To make your DNS server authoritative for a given domain, you change the 
record in the Internet root servers for that domain.  We used to say change 
the Internic record; these days that's still true, but it's a bit more 
complex, depending on the name is registered with.

Don't forget you need to list two servers, a primary and a secondary.  They 
should NOT be on the same machine.  They should not be on the same 
network.  DNS is one area where redundancy is very important.  If your DNS 
goes down then people trying to reach you get a permanent error stating you 
don't exist.

> - Do I have to have a virtual host name for the DNS server?

No.  But most people seem to get used to name-servers being called ns? 
where "?" is a digit.  Your DNS server can be "www.bluestreak.net" if 
that's what you want.

> - Do I have to register a host name (or two) with Network Solutions?

If that's where your domain is registered.  You register the host wherever 
your domain is registered.

> - Do I have to have a unique address for the DNS server?

Yes.

> - I have been told that I have to have 255 IP addresses before I can
> administer reverse resolution.  Can someone explain why?

Because your ISP is lazy?  Perhaps.

I have one block of only 32 IP#s where the upstream let me have reverse 
DNS.  I have one of 64 IP#s where the upstream didn't.  They want to keep 
my business so now they're saying they will... Let's see <wry grin>.

Jeff
--
Jeff Lasman, nobaloney.net
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