MX Records

Finch · Aug 28th, 2003, 04:47 PM

I'm a Rogers @Home customer, I'll leave it that as I wait for DSL in my area ... I'm trying to setup a mail server which I believe allowed? Anyhow I can't seem to get my MX Records to forward to my servers DNS? I have my MX Records setup with my domain but mail sent to the domain isn't hitting my server? I think this is a Cable internet thing?

jo42 · Aug 28th, 2003, 08:28 PM

Here is how it can be done from a overview perspective:

Get the IP address of your Rogers connection.

Configure an SMTP server on your machine on that IP address for that domain.

Point the MX record for your domain to that IP address.

Wait. Mail should arrive with 24 hours give or take. Depends on several things which I won't go into.

Don't allow open relay - spammers will use you to bounce junk mail.

Next time Rogers changes your IP, you will need to update your MX record.

Only do this if you know what you are doing... [img]tongue.gif[/img]

PS. The Rogers AUP (Acceptable Use Policy) does NOT allow you to do this...

dthompson101 · Aug 28th, 2003, 09:18 PM

if you are on DSL or Cable and do not have a static IP, chances are port 25 may be blocked by your ISP. I know for a fact that sympatico customers are affected by this.

If you want to check, and you are able to ssh to another server somewhere on the internet, or you have a friend on a different ISP or in a different location and they have access to a UNIX terminal or WIndows MS Prompt app, try this to see if you are getting through:

[client203:~] david% telnet 192.168.1.2 25
Trying 192.168.1.2...
Connected to evolution.digitaltransitions.ca.
Escape character is '^]'.
220 evolution.digitaltransitions.ca AppleMailServer 10.2.3.0 SMTP Server Ready

Substitute your IP address here or your DNS name. If it works you will see the "Connected to .... show up.

This will let you know if your ISP is blocking the port or not...

Finch · Aug 28th, 2003, 10:21 PM

Do I require additional software to setup an SMTP server or can it be done within the OS?

dthompson101 · Aug 29th, 2003, 12:18 PM

SMTP can be setup and used with sendmail from the CLI on Mac OS X Client.

The easiest way of course is to setup Mac OS X Server and use their built in Mail server but there are problems and limitations in features to it.

If you want, there is also a really great mail server package called exim.

See the links here on how to set them up.
Installing Exim
Spam Assassin
Integrated Spam and Virus Control

Keep in mind that these articles are written on how to install them on Mac OS X Server and not Mac OS X Client. They can be compiled and installed for Mac OS X Client, however some of the config files may be a little different.

You may also want to check out Eudora Mail Server for Mac OS X, however you have to pay for it and lets all be honest here....free is better

simon · Aug 30th, 2003, 08:28 PM

Just fair warning that Roger's will cut off your internet service if they find a computer on your node acting like a server.

I had a Linux box acting as a router for my Roger's high speed and I had the mail port open (I wasn't using it as a mail server externally - internally only) and they caught me in some sort of sweep that tests to see what ports respond when they ping their modems. They cut me off without notification and when I found out what happened (when I called to see why the internet was down for so long) they explained that I was running a server in violation of their TOS (even though I wasn't, the open port said to them I was). The Roger's rep I spoke to said because this was an "accident" they would only punish me by not turning the service back on for one week - if I had a second violation or proof that I actually was running a server that could mean a 6 month to lifetime ban.

I have since long switched to a private ADSL service with a static IP and now I can do what I want.