Topic: Small network, gaps in knowledge

[greg]

Below I describe what I would like, but I have some gaps I will need to fill in. I would appreciate any assistance.

FYI: I will be documenting the entire process and posting when I get it completed.

My setup:
1. Simulate a W2K domain controller to run a login script for my home. We will have a number of windows machines and two linux workstations connecting.
< I know - edit \servername\netlogon\netlogn.bat>

2. Server sits inside a Linksys router, router connecting to my ISP a getting a dynamic IP address (although it is dynamic, it only changes a couple times a year)
< any issues here?>

3. Already have a domain name registered, so I may need some sort of address monitoring / updating application
< can anyone give me a reference?>

4. Would like to host my own mail and website
< any issues hosting behind a Linksys router?>

5. Share certain ibays via the website (music and pics)
< no problem>

6. Backup data via DLT tape
< to be tested, should be fine>

7. VPN capability
< port map router to forward 1723 to server, ping server, net use X: \server_name\i-bay_name> >



My hardware:
Server:
- HP Netserver LC II
  64 MB RAM (today, hopefully be able to add another 256 shortly)
  HDs - only capable of having 3, I have 3 x 4GB, a 9GB and 18GB
   - will probably use a 4GB for the OS and common data, 18GB for music and pics
   - Quantum 4/8GB DLT scsi tape drive
   - HP controller, could mirror the 4GB system  - OPINIONS?
- Linksys router - BEFSR41


Any guidance would be appreciated.

[guestHH]

Hi,

Assuming SME version 5.5

1. Standard functionality. Enable PDC functionality in the manager. Logon scripts are enabled by default and editable like on a 'normal' domain.

2. Your SME is connected with your LinkSys router inner NIC with a fixed IP so no problem here

3 & 4  To host a site, your URL has to be linked with your SME external IP number. You need a dynamic DNS service for this so your dynamic external IP is updated and linked to your SME server. (Search dor dynamic DNS in these for forums there are several)

5 When 3&4 are set up correctly it's a standard functionality available via the manager to grant public or password protected access. You can use e.g. NetJuke (music) and Gallery (Pics)

6. No comment

7. VPN is a standard functionality to be set up in the manager. For portforwarding you need a contribution or change your masquerading rules (http://myezserver.com/downloads/mitel/contrib/portforwarding/)

So, in other words, all can be achieved just give it a try

Regards,
guestHH

[Bill]

In Regards to Ques 3, I use TZO.com for my Dynamic DNS. Tzo also provides HTTP Relay service (My Cable Service Blocks Port 80). It cost $100 a year but works great. I use a firewall that Port forwards, say port 1024 to Port 80 of my SME Private Server.
I run a website, webmail,Gallery ( Thanks Dan Brown), Tapeware,Internet available ibays(some password protected,some not),and more. I love this OS,it just works!!

Bill

[Bill Talcott]

SME is designed to be a router. You don't need the Linksys at all with the SME connected directly to your internet connection. SME supports dyndns.org out of the box, but it won't work right if you have the Linksys getting the public IP. There are other options, but the easiest way is probably to let the SME get the public IP. I'm not sure about using existing domain names with dynamic DNS services though. The DLT I can't comment on either. But without the Linksys in the chain, I think everything else should work just fine out of the box...

[Andrei]

As I read about your situation I was wondering the same thing as Bill. Why not just use SME as your Router, File Server, Web Server and VPN Server. When I first started using SME what made me stop using my Linkys router was all of the functionality that I anted was already built into SME and then some. Especially once you atart learning about adding RPM packages to the existing server for extra functionality. One thing that I would recommend is to thoroughly read the documentation it's very good at explaining the SME functions.Bill Talcott wrote:

[greg]

My concern is the reliability of the system, my knowledge of linux (very limited) and of my hardware. While am I'm getting used to running SME, I need to have some reliablility and protection for my existing systems.

[guestHH]

Then you would use your SME box like _many_ of us.