IP range definitions Introduction A _D_N_S manages a bunch of relations between names and IP numbers. Every time one adds a new definition to the _D_N_S (a new machine), he has to find an unused IP number. Further, it has to get some good knowledge of the network to know which one to use. A common practice is to document the general organization of the network, associating IP numbers range to logical part of the network. _L_i_n_u_x_c_o_n_f allows you to enter this information here and will use later, making DNS management much nicer. 11.. DDeeffiinniinngg IIPP rraannggeess You can define as many IP ranges a you needed. An IP range has the form start-limit. Here are some IP ranges for different network types. 119922..116688..11..11--2211 This defines the first 21 IP numbers of the _c_l_a_s_s _C network 192.168.1.0. 117722..1166..00..11--22..225544gg This defines a huge range in a _c_l_a_s_s _B network. Note that this notation won't be used much. This kind of network is often split into several physical networks, so IP number are allocated. This is one place where the "IP range definitions" system is very useful. 22.. SSeettttiinngg aann IIDD//ddeessccrriippttiioonn For each IP range, you must define an ID clearly identifying the range. This ID is used to build help list for the host definition dialog. The help list shows each available IP number from each range. The ID is also used as a key when using the dnsconf command line option --fromrange. 33.. AAddddiinngg mmoorree IIPP rraannggeess At first there is room only for one IP range (and one comment) in the dialog. Using the button add will expand the dialog, each time allowing one more range. There is no practical know limit to this. 44.. DDeelleettiinngg aa rraannggee Just erase the content of the two lines defining the range (the range itself and the comment) and use the _A_c_c_e_p_t button. 55.. AAddddiinngg aa nneeww eennttrryy iinn tthhee DDNNSS After setting up you IP ranges, you can go to the Add/Edit host information menu. Every time you edit one DNS entry, _L_i_n_u_x_c_o_n_f will compute the first available IP number for each IP range definition. These IP number will be put in the combo box edit field. You will be able to pick an available IP number without guessing from now on.