When a user tries to access OWA on a mailbox server that does not host
his/her mailbox, it is redirected to the mailbox server that does host the
mailbox. This is done using NetBIOS name of the server, which cannot be
resolved from outside. Furthermore, were the name even resolvable, typically
the firewall isn't configured to allow access to the other server.
Options:
1) Install a FE server or
2) Allow access to the second mailbox server from outside:
- Configure your firewall to allow access (HTTP/S) to that server from
outside. (Usually involves a NAT rule that maps the internal IP to an
external IP, and an access rule that opens the appropriate port(s) - in this
case https=443 assuming you're using SSL - for inbound traffic to that
server).
- If the external dns zone for your domain doesn't already have an A record
for that second mailbox server, create one so it maps to the external/NATted
IP address of the second server.
- Instruct users with mailboxes on second server to access it using its
fqdn/A record

Signature
Bharat Suneja
MVP - Exchange
www.zenprise.com
NEW blog location:
www.exchangepedia.com/blog
----------------------------------------------
> I've taken over an Exchange environment from a consultant and his last
> duty
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
>
> Thanks in advance.
realitychx - 28 Sep 2006 19:08 GMT
Correct me if i'm wrong but wouldn't the best case be to install an FE (i'm
trying to make a case for it if i need it)... that way i wouldn't have to
give my users different webmail url's.
thanks again, ur da man Bharat!
> When a user tries to access OWA on a mailbox server that does not host
> his/her mailbox, it is redirected to the mailbox server that does host the
[quoted text clipped - 27 lines]
> >
> > Thanks in advance.
Bharat Suneja [MVP] - 28 Sep 2006 19:14 GMT
Yes, that's why it was listed first. Your original post suggested you don't
have a budget for it. :)
Certainly, installation of a FE makes it easier for users by providing a
single namespace/URL.
It is also somewhat more secure - you're opening inbound ports to a single
box.
If you need to make a case for a FE server, here are the advantages in the
FE/BE topology guide:
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/exchange/guides/E2k3FrontBack/e7fa5
dcc-d93f-4441-aace-c52e5baedc2a.mspx

Signature
Bharat Suneja
MVP - Exchange
www.zenprise.com
NEW blog location:
www.exchangepedia.com/blog
----------------------------------------------
> Correct me if i'm wrong but wouldn't the best case be to install an FE
> (i'm
[quoted text clipped - 42 lines]
>> >
>> > Thanks in advance.