Version 20 - the next major update - will require on-premise installs to have split DNS configured. You’ll recall we first announced this requirement was on the horizon in Update 8 Alpha, and later followed this with a reminder in our Version 18 Update 8 Final blog. The time - as outlined in our recent v20 roadmap preview - is almost upon us!
Split DNS is only required for on premise installs because hosted / cloud installs have it by default. On premise installs must ensure that the 3CX FQDN resolves to the 3CX system both inside and outside of the office. To make this happen you can either install a DNS server or you can configure your firewall to do this for you depending upon your network setup and firewall capabilities. The following firewall guides have been updated to explain how to do this:
- FortiGate
- PfSense
- WatchGuard
- Draytek
- If you use a DNS server, see how to configure your Microsoft DNS Server.
Benefits of Configuring Split DNS
To give some context - Split DNS allows you to connect to the 3CX system using a single secure FQDN or URL within or outside the office network giving you consistent access to the Web Client. As a user you will log in using your FQDN - rather than your IP address - limiting external exposure of internal network details and improving security within your company. Using a domain, rather than an IP address, means you can also use our PWA webclient.
Converting to Split DNS?
If you have an existing install with IP Phones, and you convert to split DNS, you have to run our conversion function to update your system to use an FQDN system wide and not a local IP on the local LAN. We are readying an update to allow you to make this conversion once you have configured your split DNS. We expect to deliver this update in October and it will include a number of checks and conversions in order to prepare for version 20.
If Split DNS is Not an Option
If you can’t meet Split DNS requirements, consider migrating to a 3CX Hosted environment. With 3CX Hosting, we take care of the infrastructure for you, allowing you to focus on using 3CX without the need of Split DNS. Smaller installations with less than 20 users can be moved to the 3CX FREE or SMB editions.
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