DNS records for ESX 4.1

[unsichtbare]

Are there any circumstances in which an ESX 4.1 will create its own DNS (A-record) when it joins the domain?

The Invisible Admin

[Troy_Clavell]

not that I am aware of... The records would still have to be created manually

[unsichtbare]

Wouldn't it be awesome though, for those of us who must "negotiate" with the AD Admins every time a record needs to be created-

The Invisible Admin

[PaulusG]

Hello, maybe this works:

Starting from Windows 2000 DHCP and DNS can be integrated to create DDNS (Dynamic DNS) by activating the option 'Automatically update DHCP client information in DNS'.

When using a Windows (2003) DHCP server:

• create reservations for the ESX servers (based on MAC)

• In the DHCP server go to Properties, tab DNS and select

"Enable DNS dynamic updates according to the setting below

and select"Always dynamically update DNS A and PTR records"

Now the DHCP server updates forward and reverse DNS lookups

when a client acquires a lease.

Hope this helps. I did not figure this out for a Linux environment with DHCP en BIND Dns.

Paul Grevink

Twitter: @PaulGrevink

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Hmm, you still have to enter the dhcp reservations

Message was edited by: PaulusG

[unsichtbare]

This is definately on the right track. Unfortunately, I can't use DHCP, even if I have assigned a specific IP/MAC combination. I was wondering if, since the AD computer account is creates for ESX when it joins the domain, is there a way to cause AD to add the A-record?

The Invisible Admin

[PaulusG]

Hello Unsichtbare,

You are very welcome

Which DNS server is in use, a Windows DNS or a BIND (Linux based DNS)?

Paul Grevink

Twitter: @PaulGrevink

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[unsichtbare]

Windows 2003

The Invisible Admin

[PaulusG]

Hello Unsichtbare (dass ist eine komische Name BTW...),

I do not have a complete solution, but I have a few directions:

- Windows Powershell is a very versatile solution and there is an extension available for VMware, named PowerCLI see here more information

- Windows Powershell is also able to add records to a Wndows DNS server, example.

So you can think of something like this:

- the PowerCLI extension makes it possible to do an inventory on ESX hosts

- When a new host is found, add a record to the DNS

I hope this helps a little bit.

Paul Grevink

Twitter: @PaulGrevink

If you find this information useful, please award points for "correct" or "helpful".