I would like to try and get an internal ip address of one of the computers on my network. The reason for this is I have a little home server box downstairs but every time I want to SSH into it I have to open my router configuration and go on the DHCP client table and look at the IP address. For example I would like to be able to go ssh ell-sever instead of ssh 192.168.1.105 or whatever it happens to be.

My network configuration is like so:

• Router downstairs that is connected to the Internet and is running a DHCP server
• My server computer (ell-server) is a headless pc connected to the router via ethernet cable. Running Ubuntu 11.04 Server Edition
• My laptop upstairs (ell-laptop) that is running Ubuntu 11.10 Desktop Edition connected wirelessly
• Other (irrelevant) computers - 2 x Windows XP, 1 x Xubuntu - all connected with cables.

(It seemed to me the method of connection isn't useful information but I put it in anyway - just in case. If I have missed any information please tell me)

Do I have to run a DNS server on one of my computers? If so which one? And does that mean I will have to run a DDNS client on each computer?

Thanks in advance, ell.