Mac Networking; IP Works, Hostname/Machine Name Doesn't!

[idledaylight]

I am trying to set up what I thought was a simple network among various Apple computers connected through a Linksys router. I intended to use one (Older G4 with Mac OS X 10.4.11) as a server and currently have all the sharing preferances set (SSH, File Sharing, and Windows File Sharing). I also have created a shared drive with SharePoints.

Anyway, the only way I can connect to this server is by using the "Connect to Server" option in the Finder and using the machine's local IP address (AFP seems to work...CIFS seems to connect but my login info won't work...might be because I have the workgroup name wrong. Though I am not really sure what the difference is between AFP and CIFS....). I can also SSH into the machine using its local IP address. However, the hostname ([hostname].local) does not work. I have typed the name in EXACTLY how it appears in the Sharing Preferences...and still nothing. I have tried from multiple machines, rebooted the machines involved, upgraded the software on the Server, ensured that the mDNSResponder is running. Nothing seems to help and I am at a loss.

I am about ready to look at running my own DNS server just to get the machines talking to each other at something other than their IP addresses. Please help!

[Kees Buijs]

Originally Posted by idledaylight

I am about ready to look at running my own DNS server just to get the machines talking to each other at something other than their IP addresses. Please help!

I think that is your solution. The DNS server converts names to IP numbers on the network. Without that you could only use names if the network protocol (like afs) has this internally solved.

Good luck, kees