[NTLUG:Discuss] Dynamic IP and External DNS - is it possible?

[Keller Giacomarro]

Keller Giacomarro wrote:
>> Chris Cox wrote:
>>     
>>> Keller Giacomarro wrote:
>>>   
>>>       
>>>> This is something of a Linux question, since I'm implementing it in Linux -
>>>> please let me know if this type of query is inappropriate for this list.
>>>>
>>>> Being the student of networking that I am, I've recently gotten very
>>>> interested in DNS.  To learn more, I'd like to set up an external DNS server
>>>> for my personal domain.  Here's what's setup now:
>>>>
>>>> kellerg.com points to my RoadRunner cable IP address.  I'm using
>>>> no-ip.comto accomplish this.
>>>> Everytime my IP changes, no-ip updates its DNS A record for kellerg.com with
>>>> my current IP.
>>>>
>>>> What I want to have happen is DNS requests for my domain should come to my
>>>> bind9 DNS server.  I know that I can just add CNAME and MX records with
>>>> No-IP, but I really just want no-ip to resolve kellerg.com and then pass
>>>> everything else to my nameserver.
>>>>
>>>> No-IP says this isn't possible without a static IP.  Is that true?
>>>>     
>>>>         
>>> You have to register your nameservers (IPs) as being authoritative for
>>> your domain (zone) so that when people want to query your records, they can.
>>> So... yes... you need a static IP for your nameservers (and you really
>>> should have more than one).
>>>
>>> With that said.... friends and family CAN use you as THEIR nameserver.
>>> Thus in the their resolv.conf they would have:
>>>
>>> nameserver <your-ip-address>
>>>
>>> Of course, you can then be authoritative for ALL domains... AND you'll
>>> need to handle recursive queries (if people find out about your little
>>> nameserver they may ALL try to use it). They could also run their
>>> own DNS servers which are mostly caching and delegate records out to
>>> your nameserver for your domain (zone)... or even forward to it.
>>> But obviously not as ideal as having a TRUE domain nameserver
>>> with a registered static IP(s) associated with your domain (zone).
>>>
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> http://www.ntlug.org/mailman/listinfo/discuss
>>>   
>>>       
>> Chris,
>>
>> Thank you for not only the answer to my question, but some cool ideas 
>> for things I can do with DNS until I can afford to pay the extra per 
>> month for static IPs!
>>
>> On that note, is anyone aware of quick (6Mbps down, 256k up or faster) 
>> DSL or cable service that provides static IPs and is reasonably priced?  
>> Thanks again. =)
>>
>> -Keller
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> http://www.ntlug.org/mailman/listinfo/discuss
>>
>>     
> David Stanaway wrote:
> It would be cheaper for you to set up a virtual system at one of the 
> places mentioned in the recent hosting threads. That should have a 
> static IP and allow you to install whatever flavor of DNS server (Bind9 
> for instance - there are others).
>
> YOu can then have your home pc register dynamically with that through 
> bind dynamic dns or through some other mechanism and have your virtual 
> server either be a secondary MX for your domain for when your primary 
> goes down.
>
> The prob with using dynamic IP for your mailserver is that:
>   - dynamic ranges can tend to be blocked in rbls
>   - you don't control the PTR records for your IP and this is not 
> 'correct' for an MX record which should be a canonical name  with 
> consistent PTR record.
>   - If your IP changes and someone else gets your IP, then they will get 
> (And hopefully bounce) your email. Makes your domain look unreliable 
> (Because it is).
>
> _______________________________________________
> http://www.ntlug.org/mailman/listinfo/discuss
>   
David,

Actually, that's a really good idea.  Can anyone who has one of these 
hosting plans on virtual Linux devices confirm that your device gets its 
own, publically-available IP address?

Also, the list about problems with running a mailserver on a dynamic IP 
is helpful, thanks!

-Keller