Build Instructions

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• 1

  Set up DNS records

  Before you start the build, you must have several DNS records in place. If you have registered a domain name, most registrars (Gandi, Namecheap, GoDaddy, etc)  will allow you to set up custom DNS entries for your domain. The installation process will generate encryption certificates for your server from LetsEncrypt, and if these records are not in place it will fail.
  

  In this example, we'll pretend the hostname for your server will be cloud.example.com. Please substitute your actual domain name in the following instructions.
  

  You will need one A record ¹ for cloud.example.com which points to the public IP address of your server. If you are setting this up on your home connection, you can find the IP address by visiting https://ipv4.nsupdate.gibberfish.org/myip. You will also need to set CNAME records for office.cloud.example.com and conference.cloud.example.com which point to cloud.example.com.

  Please see your DNS provider's documentation for the correct way to do this.

  (¹ If you use a dynamic DNS service, you may alternately create a CNAME record for cloud.example.com which points to your ddns hostname, instead of an A record)

  Once these records are in place, you may proceed to the next step.
  

• 2

  Assemble the hardware

  If you're using our hardware build, you can follow the instructions below. If you're using pre-assembled hardware or doing your own build, skip to the next section.

  Flip the ZBOX over and unscrew the four rubberized feet (by hand) to remove the bottom panel.
  

  Install the RAM and hard drive in the slots shown below. Refer to the instructions included with the ZBOX for more details. When complete, it should look something like this. Replace the cover and re-attach the rubber feet.

  Voilà!

• 3

  Attach network cables and peripherals

  For the initial setup, you will need to connect a monitor, keyboard, and (optionally) a mouse. Once the software has been installed these will no longer be necessary.

  You will also need to connect the box to the internet. There are two main scenarios:

  1. If you are using the ZBOX in our build or a similar system with multiple network ports, the easiest way to connect to the network is by attaching it directly to your modem with a network cable, then plugging your existing wired or wireless router into the second network port. No further configuration is required.
  

  [ISP device]----------[ZBOX]----------[router/access point]

  2. If you only have a single network port, you can plug your server into your internet router, but you must configure the router to forward the following ports to the server:

  • 80/tcp
  • 443/tcp
  • 5222/tcp
  • 5269/tcp
  • 5349/tcp
  • 1194/udp

  Consult your router's manual.

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