Why is it important to create a hosts file on vault servers?

Creating a hosts file on vault servers is essential for manually resolving directory server names. This file acts as a local DNS resolution mechanism where IP addresses can be mapped directly to hostnames, enabling faster and more reliable access to the servers specified in the file.

By utilizing the hosts file, you can override external DNS lookups and ensure that requests for specific services are directed to the correct IP address, even if DNS might not resolve these names properly. This is particularly useful in environments where DNS configurations may not be ideal or are subject to changes. It provides a level of control by allowing administrators to specify how services are accessed internally without relying solely on the DNS infrastructure.