Small Network Name Resolution
April 27, 2010 11:32 AM Subscribe
What's the simplest way to get local DNS(-like) services on a small network?
This is a home network with 3 standardish Linux machines, an OSX machine and a few mobile devices.
I used to have a DNS server but it was a real hassle to set up so it would only answer for local addresses. Not only that, but now at least one computer on the network gets a dynamic address and the DHCP server (which is the router) doesn't do name resolution (what).
I could just do it via /etc/hosts and forget about the mobile DHCP guys (or give them permanent leases) but I thought ask around before going old skool.
This is a home network with 3 standardish Linux machines, an OSX machine and a few mobile devices.
I used to have a DNS server but it was a real hassle to set up so it would only answer for local addresses. Not only that, but now at least one computer on the network gets a dynamic address and the DHCP server (which is the router) doesn't do name resolution (what).
I could just do it via /etc/hosts and forget about the mobile DHCP guys (or give them permanent leases) but I thought ask around before going old skool.
DNRD might be useful. You can also rig it to provide DNS entries for devices that have their addresses assigned by DHCP.
posted by indyz at 11:42 AM on April 27, 2010
posted by indyz at 11:42 AM on April 27, 2010
I believe Dnsmasq is part of DD-WRT if you're inclined to pimping a compatible router with 3rd party firmware
posted by ijoyner at 12:06 PM on April 27, 2010
posted by ijoyner at 12:06 PM on April 27, 2010
I don't know about support on the mobile devices, but you might also look at Bonjour or similar "zero-configuration" networking options for desktops.
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 12:28 PM on April 27, 2010
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 12:28 PM on April 27, 2010
I rely on Bonjour for name resolution on my home network. The Macs have it installed already, you can download it for Windows machines, and on Ubuntu/Debian, look for the avahi-daemon package, not sure about other distros.
posted by Good Brain at 1:36 PM on April 27, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by Good Brain at 1:36 PM on April 27, 2010 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: Yeah, a coworker recommended ZeroConf but I was skeptical for at least the reason of the OSX. I forgot Bonjour was there. Maybe that's my method. Is there a tutorial or something for how to set it up for name resolution?
posted by DU at 2:20 PM on April 27, 2010
posted by DU at 2:20 PM on April 27, 2010
Response by poster: NM on that tutorial. Just installing avahi-daemon and libnss.mdns made it work with things like "ping NAME.local". Awesome. Just need to figure out the mobile device (it runs linux, so presumably....)
posted by DU at 6:55 PM on April 27, 2010
posted by DU at 6:55 PM on April 27, 2010
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by zsazsa at 11:42 AM on April 27, 2010