Setting up an e-mail server using static IP & DSL router?

Question

Hi. I currently access the internet using a Linksys DSL router. I am going to be upgrading from dynamic IP's to static IP's in order to host my own e-mail server. Should I continue to access the internet through the DSL router? or should my e-mail server be directly connected to the internet?

Answer 1

You should still go through the router. It has a firewall that will provide more protection to your server. But, you'll have to open up the appropriate ports on the router and forward the requests to your server.



I have a linksys router, and the setting for this is under "Applications & Gaming" > "UPnP Forwarding" (using the web admin interface). If you have a similar router to mine, it will even show you the common ports for POP3, SMTP, and so forth.

Answer 2

First make sure that your DSL company allows e-mail servers (great way to lose your internet for good!), if they allow it. You should keep it behind the router because if you connect it directly to the internet it will get hacked faster (note, I did not say impossible, I said faster).

Answer 3

Along with static ip address you need your domain name & DNS (MX) record of your email server registered to one of Internet DNS server. Ask your ISP ( or any Internet Domain registration authority) if they can register your domain name or/and email server DNS record in their DNS servers. This are requirement you have to think before you put your email server to internet.



Email server can be kept behind firewall with only those ports opens that email server needs.