What do you do when you have a client that is not communicating with your master server? First, you should check the firewall rules and open port configurations to verify that everything looks right. You should then check the host file where you are likely to see line after line of names. If you’re anything like me, you probably find this very frustrating. Everyone wants to use a short name, bypass protocol, or short cuts via host files, but do they realize this can create confusion and issues?
When I was a kid playing soccer, my coach used to tell me, “instead of doing all these fancy movements and fancy foot work, just make the easy pass!” You are more likely to make a goal when you don’t complicate things.
Now, implement that method into architectural configurations by keeping it easy. Use the fully qualified name that suggested from your DNS. Keep your host file clean! Above all, organization is key! My grandfather used to tell me all the time “El flojo trabaja doble,” which translates to “the lazy one works double.” The meaning behind that saying is: if you cut corners in the beginning you will end up paying for it in the end.
Whatever your server name is in your DNS, keep it like that in your net-backup configuration.
Photo Courtesy of dns4www
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