When to use DNS; A learning discussion

BEBigBear · 07-14-2007, 04:31 PM

Hello folks, As I re-educate myself and try to resurrect a career in networks and Linux, I was hoping initiate a discussion in concepts.

This question is a good one for anyone in a small network environment.

When exactly does one look to using a DNS server as opposed to /etc/hosts? or even using NIS

what is the number of machines on a network when one stops looking at /etc/hosts and starts looking for "bigger" solutions?

For example, If I am planning to create a network with approx 50 machines, is that a good time to look at DNS? or perhaps NIS instead.

Any thoughts or suggestions out there?

Big Bear

JimBass · 07-15-2007, 12:49 AM

I think BIND is soo simple that it should be used for every environment. /etc/hosts becomes a problem in any setup save a tiny LAN (like 2 computers), because what happens when you add a new machine? You gave the example of a network with 50 machines. Do you really want to update the /etc/hosts file on 51 machines when you add an additional computer? Also in regards to /etc/hosts, it is very hard to duplicate that on windows. One DNS server can serve info on thousands of machines on the LAN if you have that many, and can be integrated with DHCP so you don't need to play with static addresses for every host on the network.

I wouldn't bother with NIS. It isn't widely used, unlike DNS which is probably used in 99.9% or more of networks. Basically once you have more computers than you find in a single room, (say more than 2), it is worth it to go to DNS.

Peace,
JimBass