Server failover on active directory by changing server name?

[touchring]

Hi, I'm posed a question in my study course for Active Directory and hope someone can help me.

Assuming the following:

SMTP Mail Server A

Name: mailserver1.domain.com

IP Address: 192.168.0.10

SMTP Mail Server B

Name: mailserver2.domain.com

IP Address: 192.168.0.11

Mail Server A is the primary server, while Mail Server B is the secondary mail server. My users will send emails that find their way to SMTP Mail Server A by using the recipient format: emailusername@mailserver1.domain.com.

In the event that SMTP Mail Server A goes down, I want SMTP Mail Server B to replace SMTP Mail Server A. This should be done by a VB or C++ program (written by me) that runs on SMTP Mail Server B.

I figure that I can do this by just changing the computer name on Mail Server B from mailserver2.domain.com to mailserver1.domain.com, or should I change IP address instead? Will this pose a problem to AD authentication or registration? What happens if Mail Server A recovers?

Will appreciate any pointers.

[fizban2]

wouldn't it be easier to do network load balancing across the 2 servers?

[touchring]

wouldn't it be easier to do network load balancing across the 2 servers?

Thanks. Using what method or software?

[cluberti]

This probably falls under rule 2.c, although the answer is in MX records. That's your hint - good luck in your studies .

[Closed].