Is this a loopback issue?

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Level 1

5 points

Is this a loopback issue?

Hello,

Can anyone help me to properly configure my router so as to be able to access my home server both at home and away?

I’ve been told that there might be an issue with the loopback configuration but, after trying different solutions I have only been able to make it work modifying the hosts file. That implies that I have to keep modifying it on my portable computer all the time.

This the hardware I have:

Router: Comtrend 5813 Firmware P401-402TLF-C02_R35 IP Address: 192.168.1.1 Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0 Loopback IP: 127.0.0.1 Subnet Mask: 255.0.0.0

Time Capsule 3Tb (WiFi) Bridge Mode

Server: Mac Mini running OSX Mavericks Server

Everything works fine when I’m not at home through my domain (rivelin.net) but, when I’m at home, typing the domain points me to the router itself, rather than the server. That means that my domain email, websites, etc .. do not work at home.

I’ve been told that even though the Loopback feature appears on the router, it might be actually blocked but I don’t really know.

Is this a loopback issue?

Are the settings correct?

Can I configure the Apple Time Capsule to handle this and how?

Thanks for your help.

Hugo

Imac, Mac Book, Mac Book Air, Mac OS X (10.6)

Posted on May 16, 2014 12:19 PM

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Answer 1

May 16, 2014 6:05 PM in response to Hugo Monivar

You need to define DNS inside the LAN for rivelin.net. This is called split-horizon DNS. This issue is that your server on the LAN has an IP address of 192.168.1.?. But, when you set up your DNS externally, you pointed your records to the public IP address of your router/firewall. You then created port forwards to allow ports inbound to your server. Now, all systems outside your network ask for your server's address and are directed at the public address assigned to your router/firewall. The router/firewall then forwards permitted traffic inbound.

Define DNS on your Mavericks Server ensuring that it is providing the LAN address of the server to all devices on your LAN. Then you will be able to connect from both locations.

R-

Apple Consultants Network

Apple Professional Services

Author "Mavericks Server – Foundation Services" :: Exclusively available in Apple's iBooks Store

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Answer 2

Hugo Monivar Author

Level 1

5 points

May 17, 2014 1:33 AM in response to Hugo Monivar

"Define DNS on your Mavericks Server ensuring that it is providing the LAN address of the server to all devices on your LAN. Then you will be able to connect from both locations."

Can you actually tell me how to do that, please?

Thanks.

Hugo

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Answer 3

May 17, 2014 5:04 AM in response to Hugo Monivar

Assuming the following:

Your server's name is www.rivelin.net

Your server's IP is 192.168.1.10

1: Launch Server.app

2: Show the Advanced services

3: Select DNS

4: Press the + button.

5: In Hostname enter www.rivelin.net

6: In IP Address enter 192.168.1.10

7: If this host is also your mail server and the name above is what you use to referenced it, check the Create an MX record checkbox.

8: Press create.

9: Turn the service on.

Now go into System Preferences and define your server's IP address as the primary DNS server.

Last, modify your DHCP service to provide all LAN clients the IP Address of your server as the first DNS Server.

Understanding DNS is the key to the success of many services on Mavericks. I joke that the service stands for Do Not Skip.

R-

Apple Consultants Network

Apple Professional Services

Author "Mavericks Server – Foundation Services" :: Exclusively available in Apple's iBooks Store

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Answer 4

Hugo Monivar Author

Level 1

5 points

May 17, 2014 10:43 AM in response to Hugo Monivar

Hello,

I think I've managed to partially solved this issue (thanks to you) but, I still have problems to retrieve my email from the LAN side. Everything works when not connected to the same network.

This is a screenshot of my DNS settings:

I have also added the server's IP address as the primary DNS server on my portable computer.
Having done that, the webserver works fine but I still have problems to retrieve my email from a computer connected through wifi.

If I use the Network Utility I get these messages:

rivelin.net -> 192.168.1.2

and

mail.rivelin.net -> This operation cannot be completed (error kCFErrorDomainCFNetwork 2).

So I guess I'm still missing something.

Can you please help me?

Thanks.

Hugo

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Answer 5

bfdulock

Level 2

220 points

May 17, 2014 10:55 AM in response to Hugo Monivar

You have no machine record defined for mail.riveline.net.

Bryan Dulock

ACN

Houston, TX

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Answer 6

Hugo Monivar Author

Level 1

5 points

May 17, 2014 11:11 AM in response to Hugo Monivar

Got it Bryan,

Thank you !!!!!!

Hugo

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