Ensure the hosting device has a static IP address to prevent potential connectivity issues due to IP changes. This setup will enable seamless access to Puter and its services across your local network.
### Using Hosts Files
The hosts file is a straightforward way to map domain names to IP addresses on individual devices. It's simple to set up but requires manual changes on each device that needs access to the domains.
#### Windows
1. Open Notepad as an administrator.
2. Open the file located at `C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts`.
3. Add lines for your domain and subdomain with the server's IP address, in the
2. Edit the hosts file with a text editor, e.g., `sudo nano /etc/hosts`.
3. Add lines for your domain and subdomain with the server's IP address, in the
following format:
```
192.168.1.10 puter.local
192.168.1.10 api.puter.local
```
4. Save and exit the editor.
### Using Router Configuration
Some routers allow you to add custom DNS rules, letting you configure domain names network-wide without touching each device.
1. Access your router’s admin interface (usually through a web browser).
2. Look for DNS or DHCP settings.
3. Add custom DNS mappings for `puter.local` and `api.puter.local` to the hosting device's IP address.
4. Save the changes and reboot the router if necessary.
This method's availability and steps may vary depending on your router's model and firmware.
### Using Local DNS
Setting up a local DNS server on your network allows for flexible and scalable domain name resolution. This method works across all devices automatically once they're configured to use the DNS server.
#### Options for DNS Software:
- **Pi-hole**: Acts as both an ad-blocker and a DNS server. Ideal for easy setup and maintenance.
- **BIND9**: Offers comprehensive DNS server capabilities for complex setups.
- **Dnsmasq**: Lightweight and suitable for smaller networks or those new to running a DNS server.
**contributors note:** feel free to add any software you're aware of
which might help with this to the list. Also, feel free to add instructions here for specific software; our goal is for Puter to be easy to setup with tools you're already familiar with.
#### General Steps:
1. Choose and install DNS server software on a device within your network.
2. Configure the DNS server to resolve `puter.local` and `api.puter.local` to the IP address of your Puter hosting device.
3. Update your router’s DHCP settings to distribute the DNS server's IP address to all devices on the network.
By setting up a local DNS server, you gain the most flexibility and control over your network's domain name resolution, ensuring that all devices can access Puter and its API without manual configuration.
## Production Configuration
Please note the self-hosting feature is still in alpha and a public production
deployment is not recommended at this time. However, if you wish to host
publically you can do so following the same steps you normally would to configure
a domain name and ensuring the `api` subdomain points to the server as well.
