- Dec 4, 2009
- 2,123
- 1
- 20,460
I have a server, currently running Windows Server 2008r2 for DHCP, DNS, and NAT. However, my install isn't licensed. Win2008r2 will continue operating after install for up to 60 days without activating, but after 60 days, I have to rebuild my server again since I don't have an official license. It's not that much of a bother, considering I can set this up in Windows in about 15 minutes, but the install and massive number of updates takes a good 4-5 hours.
I'd like to try using Linux for routing again. The last time I tried, I used CentOS5, which had a great gui for DNS, but setting up DHCP and NAT was a complete command line experience. It was actually rather annoying, and, because I was running it on an ESXi VM, NAT stopped working frequently forcing me to blank the iptables config and redo the who thing, about once per week. On top of this, CentOS/RHEL 6 has even removed the DNS gui, making the DNS config a complete command like experience as well. Talk about annoying. Obviously, RedHat has completely dropped the ball on this one.
I'm hoping someone has come up with a decent way to do this with another Linux distro. Does anyone know of a version that has a NAT, DNS, and DHCP setup that is quick and easy, possibly even with a gui? I prefer a gui because my typing skills are a little less than comfortable.
I had also given thought to trying to make a part time business of building home servers with this functionality to give home users better security and centralized file storage in one box. Windows is a bit expensive for that, considering Win2012r2 Standard is running over $700. A good Linux distro would be nice for that kind of thing, if this part doesn't take too much effort. If I have to spend a whole day reconfiguing the NAT, plus another day for DNS and DHCP, it really isn't worth it.
I'd like to try using Linux for routing again. The last time I tried, I used CentOS5, which had a great gui for DNS, but setting up DHCP and NAT was a complete command line experience. It was actually rather annoying, and, because I was running it on an ESXi VM, NAT stopped working frequently forcing me to blank the iptables config and redo the who thing, about once per week. On top of this, CentOS/RHEL 6 has even removed the DNS gui, making the DNS config a complete command like experience as well. Talk about annoying. Obviously, RedHat has completely dropped the ball on this one.
I'm hoping someone has come up with a decent way to do this with another Linux distro. Does anyone know of a version that has a NAT, DNS, and DHCP setup that is quick and easy, possibly even with a gui? I prefer a gui because my typing skills are a little less than comfortable.
I had also given thought to trying to make a part time business of building home servers with this functionality to give home users better security and centralized file storage in one box. Windows is a bit expensive for that, considering Win2012r2 Standard is running over $700. A good Linux distro would be nice for that kind of thing, if this part doesn't take too much effort. If I have to spend a whole day reconfiguing the NAT, plus another day for DNS and DHCP, it really isn't worth it.
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram