New Server Setup - with no mail service (external mail server)

[Matt Kachurak]

First and foremost, thanks in advance for replies.

Here's the situation. I'm currently in a predicament and can't seem to find a solid answer to this issue.

1. I am setting up a new cPanel server. It will be on a redundant fiber optic 1Gbps connection.

2. The server will be assigned a SINGLE static IP from the provider that will be the shared IP of the server for all hosted accounts. The provider is a very small fiber optic ISP. I am unable to get more than ONE IP address for the server according to this ISP. I believe they can offer me a 5-pack of IP addresses. This is important for customers on the server that actually need a dedicated IP, for whatever reasons. I will have to address this issue with them to get more details.

3. This ISP does NOT have the ability to modify the PTR record of ANY of the IP's, to have a reverse record posted. The actual IP provider (Cogent) apparently does not either offer or allow the ISP (according to them).

Now that I have laid out the details.... the question is....

1. Is there a way to actually have this server be able to process mail WITHOUT having a valid PTR record or am I going to need to set up a mail server (external from this other server on the ISP) outside of this ISP connection?

2. If this server can NOT send mail because of having no valid PTR record, will websites that use forms (ie: contact forms, etc.) be able to actually send those forms via phpmail or something? Will this open me up to spam via phpmail?

Sorry for the "newbie" questions. I've just always used cpanel servers to send mail too.... so its new ground for me.

If I DO set up a mail server external to this ISP - any recommendations on how to do so would be appreciated. What SIZE should that mail server have for HDD?

How can I move the already existing emails on the OLD server and move them to the MAIL server if they are incorporated into an old cpanel server where mail was used?

Thanks again - sorry for all the questions....

 

[cPRex]

Hey there! I would say that you should expect to have issues with this configuration. While email will send properly (assuming port 25 is open on the network) many providers like Gmail really do want to see a valid PTR record in place to accept email.

If that isn't an option, you can setup a smarthost to relay your messages through another server, with the details outlined here:

https://support.cpanel.net/hc/en-us/articles/360052412573-How-to-configure-a-third-party-smarthost

which would apply to all outbound messages, including any scripts. It is best to ensure any PHP scripts send mail through an authenticated user.

I think that should answer those questions, but let me know if you need anything else!

 

[Matt Kachurak]

I appreciate the reply - thank you. I would assume that port 25 is open on the network as they do have email services. I know that my server has port open, yes. (if this is what you meant)

Gmail and other providers that look for PTR records are my challenge... that's why I'm in the predicament on trying to get them to actually set that record for me.

I'm likely going to have to set up a mail server myself rather than use a third party smarthost provider. It has been years (actually decades) since I've done it.

You mention, "I would say that you should expect to have issues with this configuration." .... by way of what exactly? I get the PTR issue, but what else should I expect to have issues with?!

 

[cPRex]

Oh, I just meant the PTR issue. Everything else should be just fine.

 

[Matt Kachurak]

Awesome - thank you again!

Quick follow up.... how would I migrate emails on an already existing cpanel server to a new standalone mail server? If possible. Likely an dovecot/exim configuration to make it as seamless as possible - I hope haha

secondly - recommendation on hdd size and availability?

 

[cPRex]

For non-cPanel machines, we like the Imapsync tool to migrate data.

As far as the disk, I don't personally have any recommendations other than "the most you can afford" within realistic limits.