smtp vs its actual ip - outgoing mail server problems

[Dexor]

We've developed a stand on scan-to-email which is as follows: if you don't have an exchange server, it won't work.

Having said that, we've never had a DNS issue with the server name vs IP address as you're describing. I reckon that either external DNS addresses or a WINS address will rectify this.

Where I live (GTA - Toronto) there are 2 major ISP players: rogers and bell. Unless you have an account with them, or registered your mail server with them it's very tricky to setup something else to work with Ricoh. I've used their DNS servers (wins is almost nonexistent here these days - "not used") trying to use their settings and despite all that - unless I enter actual IP address of the SMTP server I get "waiting" which bails out in about a min. Actual IP always works on their account, but I've seen very few cases where the name works.

[Llama God]

Re: smtp vs its actual ip - outgoing mail server problems

We've developed a stand on scan-to-email which is as follows: if you don't have an exchange server, it won't work.

Now that hosted exchange is becoming more prevalent, we're having to use their ISP's mail server to relay traffic outbound. As the ISP trusts all outgoing traffic, relaying through their mail server isn't an issue (it doesn't need a specific connector setting up).

Having said that, we've never had a DNS issue with the server name vs IP address as you're describing. I reckon that either external DNS addresses or a WINS address will rectify this.

[Dexor]

Or OpenDNS' as follows:

https://www.opendns.com/opendns-ip-addresses/

Thx, will give it a go.

[Dexor]

Ricoh MP C3500
can't do ssl on ricoh
auth is a must
smtp server name - must use actual IP address - always.

We consistently set up scan-to-email using the server name (eg relay.plus.net) and it works fine.

...and that's because you're using smtp relay? That's the only thing that works for me, but I still have to use IP address. Or customers non-web based email, which always works, but it's not always available.

[Dexor]

Re: smtp vs its actual ip - outgoing mail server problems

Right, now, steady on there, of course using DNS makes a difference.It's worth using both on-site and external DNS servers for this. I believe, off the top of my head, that the machine can handle up to 3 so, to give it a fighting chance, put 3 in.In addition, program a WINS server address into the machine - this is quicker than a DNS server.Finally, when you say that you are "maxed out," what does that mean? No offence intended, but it's kind of gibberish.

Not always possible to get offsite DNS servers, and frequently wins server not being used.Having even all 3 DNS never made a difference in hundreds of clients, the ONLY diff was using SMTP relay. "Maxed out" was explained in my original post, we can only use it to certain limits of clients/emails per month - now clear?I'd love to use Google as SMTP but never been successful, neither was anyone else, judging from the posts. SSL looks like the culprit.

[Llama God]

Re: smtp vs its actual ip - outgoing mail server problems

Ricoh MP C3500
can't do ssl on ricoh
auth is a must
smtp server name - must use actual IP address - always.

We consistently set up scan-to-email using the server name (eg relay.plus.net) and it works fine.

[Dexor]

Re: smtp vs its actual ip - outgoing mail server problems

What model is the Ricoh? Does the SMTP server require SSL? If so, then there will always be issues as most Ricoh machines beyond the current models don't support it. Is the SMTP server using the standard port 25, or a different one? Any authentication required for access?

Ricoh MP C3500
can't do ssl on ricoh
auth is a must
smtp server name - must use actual IP address - always.

[impetus73]

Re: smtp vs its actual ip - outgoing mail server problems

One solution, is to set up your own local SMTP server, there are lots of free mail server programs out there. Set it up on the local server.

One example:

http://www.softstack.com/freesmtp.html

[TheOwl]

Re: smtp vs its actual ip - outgoing mail server problems

What sort of mail server is it?

Are you running Exchange or using a hosted mail server?

[Llama God]

Re: smtp vs its actual ip - outgoing mail server problems

Or OpenDNS' as follows:

https://www.opendns.com/opendns-ip-addresses/

[Venom]

Re: smtp vs its actual ip - outgoing mail server problems

add in Google DNS servers 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4

[Llama God]

Re: smtp vs its actual ip - outgoing mail server problems

DNS is onsite, we have two, both programmed into the mfp (our office is where I do all my experimentation). I have never found any difference using/not using DNS. SMTP relay always works, uses port 80. But we are maxed out.

Right, now, steady on there, of course using DNS makes a difference.

It's worth using both on-site and external DNS servers for this. I believe, off the top of my head, that the machine can handle up to 3 so, to give it a fighting chance, put 3 in.

In addition, program a WINS server address into the machine - this is quicker than a DNS server.

Finally, when you say that you are "maxed out," what does that mean? No offence intended, but it's kind of gibberish.

[rthonpm]

Re: smtp vs its actual ip - outgoing mail server problems

What model is the Ricoh? Does the SMTP server require SSL? If so, then there will always be issues as most Ricoh machines beyond the current models don't support it. Is the SMTP server using the standard port 25, or a different one? Any authentication required for access?

[Dexor]

Re: smtp vs its actual ip - outgoing mail server problems

The issue generally isn't with the MFP, but with the latency of the DNS servers that the machine polls for names. Is the DNS you're using for the machine onsite, or off? Is there more than one DNS server listed for the machine to use?

DNS is onsite, we have two, both programmed into the mfp (our office is where I do all my experimentation). I have never found any difference using/not using DNS. SMTP relay always works, uses port 80. But we are maxed out.

[rthonpm]

Re: smtp vs its actual ip - outgoing mail server problems

The issue generally isn't with the MFP, but with the latency of the DNS servers that the machine polls for names. Is the DNS you're using for the machine onsite, or off? Is there more than one DNS server listed for the machine to use?