Question by Robert L: Fast change the DNS IP addresses on Server 2003?
We are hosting a number of web sites on Server 2003 and now we are forced to change our IP address. Is there a fast way to change all of the DNS settings to the new IP address, other than a manual change?
Note that the server is running Active Directory.
Also, is there a way we can set this up for both addresses so that there is no delay when the Internet provider changes the IP address?
Best answer:
Answer by Ereki
If I understand correctly, your internet provider is forcing you to change your public IP addresses, but you host several web sites that utilize static IP addresses and DNS entries need to be updated to the new IP addresses.
To answer your question, unless your hosting the authoritative DNS server, there isn’t a fast/immediate option to change DNS entries. I’m assuming you have your DNS hosted by an external company such as Network Solutions. From my understanding, when you make a DNS change, it will not immediately take affect because the entry needs to replicate to other servers. You will need to wait for the next replication interval and it varies from service provider. (Average expectancy is between 48-72 hours).
Honestly, unless your a large company, I would recommend going against hosting an authoritative DNS server as it will have your network exposed to internet attacks unless thorough and proper security is in place. Also an ISP that forces you to change IP address frequently is odd. You should consider finding a new provider at that point.
My recommendation in a situation like this is to have dual internet services up and running. You should be able to configure a medium-end router to accept dual WAN links and then configure your servers to accept connections from the old and new IP addresses. At this point, you would update your DNS entries. While the updates are being replicated, people will be able to connect to your server on either IP address that is returned from the DNS servers.
——-
If you’re talking about internal servers and private IP addresses, the easiest way would be to setup DHCP and add reservation for your web servers. This would force DHCP to assign specific IP addresses to the servers and you have the option to update the IP addresses in DNS everytime they renew their addresses.
——
Hope that helps, but it’s hard to analyze a situation without the whole knowledge of your environment.
Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!
Share and Enjoy
Recent Comments