Force computer name to resolve to local IP on Windows Server 2008 Network

domain-name-systemnetbiosnetworkingwindows-server-2008

Here's the scenario: 3 Windows Server 2008 machines, each connected to 2 networks: a public network open to the internet and also a private LAN

netbios/
comp name  local IP
-------- ----------------
server1  192.168.112.10
server2  192.168.112.11
server3  192.168.112.12

'ping server1' from server2 or 3 will resolve to server1's local IP 192.168.112.10.

likewise

'ping server2' from server1 or 3 will resolve to server2's local IP 192.168.112.11.

The problem I have is that from server1 and 2 when I 'ping server3' I get the public IP address. I to resolve server3 to the local IP 192.168.112.12 in order to connect services via the safe Local Network, rather than poking holes in the public firewall!

Please bear with me since I'm more of a DBA than a Server Admin.

cheers,
Ben

Best Answer

One work around you may do is open the file c:\windows\system32\drivers\etc\hosts in Server 1 and Server 2 and add the entry

192.168.112.12 server3

This will force both the servers to use the local IP.

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