Advice needed regarding moving/replacement of server

[MoonWalker]

I am about to setup a new server box, with the intention of it replacing a current one, hosting several (virtual) web domains which it also function as nameserver for. There is some circumstances though that makes me unsure.

1. The new computer will be placed on an other physical location (actually in an other country) with different range of IP addresses.

2. I like the new server box to belong to the same domain (but other host name) as on the current one and also let it take over the role as nameserver. Or if it would be easier to first setup the box and put it into the current nameserver zone record and give it a nameserver role in a later phase?

As I have paid for the Internet connection for the current one some months still, I don't have to do all this in one go but can take it step by step. The point is to avoid downtime and network hazzle with possible bogus data leaking out on the net etc.

Can it be done this way or do I have to setup the new server box with an other (new) domain, currently not having dns duties? Of what I understand there is not really any problem with the 2 boxes belonging to the same domain, even if they are on different nets and in different countries?

Would be gateful for some advices from someone with good network knowledge or possible similar experiences.
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/Joakim

Living on earth is expensive, but it includes a free trip around the sun
every year.

[kashani]

I think you're making it more complicated then it needs to be. Yes you'd want your IN NS statements to be correct eveuntually. I'd set the new system up as if nothing else exists. Do some testing, squid and some custom additions to it's /etc/hosts file works wonders. Once you feel comfortable with the new system change your whois record or however you've got DNS setup to the new server. Wait 3 days or so and pull the old server if that's your plan.

Or if you're going run both servers list them both in the whois record. Then have server-2 pull secondary from server-1 or vice versa.

kashani
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Will personally fix your server in exchange for motorcycle related shop tools in good shape.