How to Setup Local SMTP for Enhanced UniversitySite Performance
Applies To
- Behind the Firewall Installations (NOT Cloud)
Intended Audience
- System administrators
Background
Many customers have previously setup UniversitySite to send mail directly to their Exchange server. For some this has worked without issues, but for others, there are periodic email failures or just slower performance in UniversitySite when performing a task that results or should result in sending email.
Symptoms
- SMTP timeout errors when sending email
- UniversitySite slow when saving a new event or other operations that usually result in sending email
Resolution
Setup a local SMTP relay on the web server where UniversitySite is currently hosted and designate a Smart Host pointing to your Exchange server. Ensure this SMTP relay can ONLY be used by the localhost for increased security.
Setup
This is only possible via IIS 6, which is still available even on Windows Server 2012, but MAY need to be installed if it is not currently available.
Right click on your server and choose New SMTP Virtual Server
As a suggestion you might name it Usite SMTP
Leave it (All Unassigned) unless you have good reason to specify the IP Address for it.
Enter your domain and click Finish
Now Right click on your new SMTP virtual server and get properties
Select the Access tab and click the Relay button on it
Add the localhost (127.0.0.1) as the ONLY computer allowed to use this relay.
The result should look like this:
Click OK, then select the Delivery tab, then choose the Advanced button
Enter your exchange server NAME in the Smart Host field, rather than using its IP address ( so that if the IP later changes it will STILL work)
Click OK.
Testing
Schedule an event and ensure you get the meeting request