There are many possible ways to establish your network configuration for Small Business Server 2003 domain. However, for a typical small business with 10 or fewer PC's the most simple and practical is to have the server and all PC's connected to a internet router, either directly or via a network switch. The server will need to be assigned a dedicated IP address and this needs to be outside of the range of addresses assigned by DHCP in the router. The primary DNS address in the router should then be defined as the server IP address.
Within SBS 2003 open the DNS console via Start -> Administrative tools. In the left-hand panel right-click the server and select Properties. In the Interfaces tab apply settings such that the server is only listening for DNS on its own IP address. In the Forwarders tab in the entry for 'All other DNS domains' specify the DNS servers as provided by your ISP.
With this in place your client computers should be able to your server by simply entering 'http://your_server_name' into the address bar of your browser. That will include the Network Configuration Wizard which allows them to join the domain. Requests for external URL's should also be resolved correctly.
Listed below are links to weblogs that reference DNS For Simple SBS 2003 Setup:
» DNS in a SBS network from E-Bitz - SBS MVP the Official Blog of the SBS "Diva"
DNS For Simple SBS 2003 Setup, AlphaOne Computing, Brighton, Sussex: http://www.alphaone-comp.com/kbase/2006/06/dns_for_simple_sbs_2003_setup.php... [Read More]
Tracked on June 8, 2006 02:54 AM
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Comments
No no no no no. Use the wizard.
Start --> All Programs --> Administrative Tools --> Server Management --> Internet and Email --> "Connect to the Internet"
Get thee to the feet of the gurus and learn:
"The next wizard that you should not try to bypass, unless you want a flying 2x4 with "SBS Rocks' emblazoned on it heading your way, is the Connect to Email and Internet Connection Wizard aka the CEICW."
http://msmvps.com/blogs/bradley/archive/2006/04/08/89925.aspx
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=825763
"Windows Small Business Server 2003 was designed to be configured by using the Configure E-mail and Internet Connection Wizard. "
Posted by: Sandi (08 Jun 2006 03:40)
Thanks Sandi for the comment and Bradley for the trackback. Yes, fully agree that the wizard is the right way to set this up and I do always run it. This post followed on from a problem whereby a DNS error was stopping the Configuration Wizard from working successfully.
Posted by: alphaone (09 Jun 2006 06:55)