IP range definitions A _D_N_S manages a bunch of relations between names and IP numbers. Every time a new definition is added to the _D_N_S (a new machine), it needs to find an unused IP number. Further, it needs knowledge of the network to know which one to use. A common practice is to document the general organization of the network, associating ranges of IP num- bers to logical parts of the network. _L_i_n_u_x_c_o_n_f allows you to enter information here that will be used later, making DNS management much nicer. 11.. DDeeffiinniinngg IIPP rraannggeess You can define as many IP ranges as you need. 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..225544 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, and IP numbers are allocated to each one. 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 a 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. Use the "Grow form" button to expand the dialog. Use it several time to add more range. There is no practical known limit to this. In text mode, position the cursor on the button and hit the space key to trigger the action. 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 your 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 numbers will be placed in the combo box edit field. Then you will be able to pick an available IP number in the future without guessing.