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Secondary DNS vs Primary DNS: What’s the Difference?

By VirgilPosted on Posted in DNS servers, NetworkTagged , , , , , , , , , No Comments on Secondary DNS vs Primary DNS: What’s the Difference?

Have you ever wondered what is the difference between Secondary DNS vs Primary DNS? This article will outline the distinctions between the two and provide an overview of the advantages of incorporating Secondary DNS into your Domain Name System.

Explanation of Primary DNS

The Domain Name System (DNS) translates domain names into their corresponding IP addresses, allowing users to access websites without memorizing long strings of numbers and letters. A Primary DNS server hosts a website’s zone file and a text database that stores essential domain information, like the IP address, domain administrator, and resource records.

Secondary DNS server explained

Resource records indicate the domain names and their correlating IP addresses, which sometimes take the form of an A record (IPv4 address), AAAA record (IPv6 address), MX record (for assigning mail servers to a domain), or NS record (for identifying the authoritative DNS servers). The Primary DNS server is also responsible for keeping the DNS records up-to-date and will propagate the changes to the secondary servers.

So, what is Secondary DNS?

Secondary DNS, or Secondary Domain Name systems, save backup DNS records of a domain’s information if the primary server. This ensures that the domain’s users can access the website without interruption—even if the primary server is down. Secondary DNS operates similarly to primary DNS, except they only replicate the records rather than hosts them. The records kept by Secondary DNS are updated periodically, typically daily, by the primary server. Additionally, Secondary DNS provides a layer of redundancy, security, and performance in the domain name system.

Benefits of implementing it

  • Provide redundancy, performance, and security. Secondary DNS has the ability to provide a layer of backup records to keep a website running in the case of primary server outages.
  • Allow administrators to balance workloads and access records from different locations. It allows administrators to spread the workload across multiple DNS servers.
  • Provide extra protection and redundancy. It provides an extra level of protection and redundancy that helps ensure that websites remain accessible even if the primary server goes down.
  • Ensure website access is not disrupted. Having Secondary DNS in place ensures that website users are able to access the site without disruption in the event of a primary server outage.

Secondary DNS vs Primary DNS – Differences

Secondary DNS and Primary DNS differ in several ways, the most notable being that Primary DNS are responsible for hosting domain name information and managing resource records, whereas Secondary DNS only replicates records from the primary server. Additionally, Primary DNS servers are usually faster and more reliable than secondary servers because they have a direct connection to the authoritative nameservers.

When it comes to the actual operation of both primary and Secondary DNS, Primary DNS users must manually make and commit the changed settings while Secondary DNS are automatically updated via Zone Transfer. Furthermore, Secondary DNS is used to balance the workload between DNS servers and to increase the availability of websites. In comparison, Primary DNS can be used to quickly and efficiently direct website traffic, regardless of the issue. Ultimately, having both primary and Secondary DNS can provide a reliable data system for users.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is important to understand the differences between Primary DNS and Secondary DNS. Primary DNS are responsible for hosting and managing the domain name information and resource records, while Secondary DNS are used to replicate the records of the Primary DNS server. In addition, Secondary DNS offer several benefits, such as providing extra protection and redundancy, balancing workloads, and ensuring website access is not disrupted. Ultimately, having both primary and Secondary DNS can provide a reliable data system for users.

How Anycast DNS Improves Website Availability and Resilience

By VirgilPosted on Posted in DNS services, NetworkTagged , , , , , , , , , No Comments on How Anycast DNS Improves Website Availability and Resilience

Anycast DNS is a traffic-routing solution that provides higher availability, performance, and security levels for critical services. And today, we will explore in more details this DNS service. But let’s first see what Unicast DNS is.

What is Unicast DNS?

Unicast DNS is a Domain Name System (DNS) protocol that maps domain names to IP addresses. Using unicast, a DNS protocol that returns a single record per query request to a domain name will be directed to one specific IP address. This ensures that each request is sent to the same server and response times are consistent. Unicast DNS also offers better data privacy and security as it allows for better control of where requests are sent, and any potential malicious attempts can be monitored and tracked more easily.

Overview of Anycast DNS

Anycast DNS is a traffic-routing load balancing method that provides higher levels of availability and performance for critical services. By using anycast, a DNS protocol that allows multiple IP addresses to be associated with the same domain name, requests to a domain will no longer be limited to one server. Instead, a request is routed to the nearest server network in terms of a round-trip time, which enhances the client user experience. Anycast DNS also allows for greater availability and protection from network outages, reducing the risk of downtime for critical services.

How valuable is it?

Anycast DNS is essential for businesses of all sizes. With it implementation, companies can ensure the availability and resilience of web services, improve performance and user experience, and reduce dependency on single network points of presence. By having multiple servers around the globe, which are all set to respond to DNS queries for the same domain name, Anycast DNS presents an improved way of distributing and balancing traffic for global users. Furthermore, businesses can reduce the risk of downtime with Anycast and ensure critical services remain available for users during peak times or outages.

This traffic-routing load balancing method provides businesses with many advantages, such as enhanced global resiliency and scalability. In addition, the network is redundantly and geographically distributed across multiple data centers and can balance requests without any single point of failure. This provides an extra layer of protection against downtime and makes it more difficult for cybercriminals to impact web services. Furthermore, businesses can improve performance and user experience with Anycast DNS with faster response times and lower latency.

How to Get Started With Anycast DNS

Getting started with Anycast is fast and easy. You only need to register with an Anycast DNS service provider and create a zone with your domain name. Your service provider will assign IP addresses to your zone and develop a DNS server network across multiple regions and data centers. This will allow you to respond most efficiently to all requests from different locations. It is also important to properly configure your records’ TTL settings and ensure that the DNS data is correctly configured. 

Once the DNS configuration is complete, you must set up the Anycast routing. This involves configuring nodes and channels to route the request traffic through the right servers. With the proper setup, you can ensure that your DNS requests are distributed among available locations and reduce response times. Setting up Anycast DNS can also provide improved security through proprietary threat controls such as DNS firewall and advanced DDoS protection services.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Anycast DNS provides businesses with enhanced availability, improved performance, and optimized security for web services. This traffic-routing solution can ensure a better user experience and minimize the risk of downtime during peak times or outages. Furthermore, with the correct Anycast Domain Name System setup, businesses can reap the benefits of having a globally dispersed network and protect against malicious attempts.

DNSSEC Explained: The Basics You Need to Know

By VirgilPosted on Posted in SecurityTagged No Comments on DNSSEC Explained: The Basics You Need to Know

Understanding DNSSEC is crucial for website owners who want to be safe and protected from malicious attacks. In this blog post, we’ll cover the basics of DNSSEC, including what it is, why it’s important, and how it works. So, without any further ado, let’s begin!

What is DNSSEC?

DNSSEC (Domain Name System Security Extensions) is a protocol that adds a layer of security to the Domain Name System (DNS). The DNS is responsible for translating domain names (like www.example.com) into IP addresses that machines can understand. It was created to handle a vulnerability in the DNS that allows malicious actors to intercept DNS queries and redirect regular users to fake websites.

Why is DNSSEC important?

Without DNSSEC, it’s easy for hackers to spoof DNS responses and redirect users to malicious websites. This is known as a DNS cache poisoning attack, and it is commonly initiated to steal sensitive information like login credentials or credit card numbers. It provides a way for website owners to protect their users by ensuring that the DNS responses they receive are authentic and haven’t been tampered with.

How does it work?

DNSSEC uses a system of cryptographic keys to sign DNS records. When a user requests a DNS record, the DNS server returns a signed response that includes a digital signature. The user’s computer can then verify the signature using the public key of the DNS server. If the signature is valid, the user can be confident that the response is authentic.

Implementing DNSSEC

Implementing DNSSEC is a straightforward process, but it does require some technical knowledge. Here are the basic steps involved:

  1. Generate keys: The first step is to generate a pair of cryptographic keys – a private key and a public key. The private key is kept secret and used to sign DNS records, while the public key is published in the DNS for users to verify signatures.
  2. Publish the key: The DNSSEC public key is published in the DNS as a DNSKEY record. This record is signed with the private key to ensure that it can’t be tampered with.
  3. Sign DNS records: Once the DNSSEC key is in place, DNS records can be signed using the private key. This ensures that any DNS responses sent to users can be verified as authentic.
  4. Test: Finally, it’s important to test DNSSEC to ensure that it’s working correctly. This involves checking that DNS responses are being signed and that users can verify signatures using the public key.

Conclusion

DNSSEC is an essential protocol for website owners who want to protect their users from malicious attacks. By adding a layer of protection, they are able to strengthen the security of their Domain Name System (DNS) infrastructure. 

Complete breakdown of DNS propagation

By VirgilPosted on Posted in DNS servers, NetworkTagged , , , , , , No Comments on Complete breakdown of DNS propagation

Do you need help getting your website to show up properly on the web? Then, read on to find out what DNS propagation is and how it can help make your website accessible worldwide!

Defining the DNS propagation

DNS propagation is the process of updating the Domain Name System (DNS) records across the global web of DNS servers. Each DNS server stores DNS records, including the IP address associated with a domain name. When a DNS record is updated due to an expired domain name registration or a change in hosting provider, the DNS propagation process occurs. Every DNS server must be updated with the correct information to ensure that any web users can accurately reach the site they were looking for.

This process can take a few minutes to several hours to complete. When a DNS record is changed, the time for full propagation depends on the Time to Live (TTL) value set on your DNS records. The lower the TTL value, the faster the changes will be seen across the web. The TTL value determines how frequently each DNS server stored in the global system must re-query the requested records. After the TTL value expires, the requesting DNS server will be updated with the new information, triggering DNS propagation.

Steps of DNS propagation

Step one of DNS propagation is a zone transfer, which verifies that all DNS records have been updated to the correct values. During a zone transfer, the DNS server requests information from an authoritative DNS server to ensure that all DNS records have been updated with the latest changes.

The second step is DNS querying. This step involves querying the domain’s DNS records stored on remote servers in various geographical regions. The DNS record query requests information such as the IP address associated with the domain name. This step ensures that all DNS records are accurate and up-to-date.

The final step of DNS propagation is to update the regional DNS servers. In this step, the DNS servers located in each region are contacted and requested to update their stored records. This step ensures that all DNS servers located in the region are informed about the changes before the TTL values expire and full Domain Name System propagation is completed. After all the regional DNS servers have been updated, the process of DNS propagation is complete, and the domain is now accessible to global users.

Is it possible for potential issues?

Potential issues during the DNS propagation process can occur. One possible issue is Name Server errors. Name server errors can happen due to DNS records not being updated correctly. Cloud-based DNS services use a lot of name servers to ensure reliable connections. If there is an issue with one of the name servers, then it could cause your domain to be unreachable by particular visitors.

Another potential issue is Time to Live (TTL) values. TTL values determine how quickly changes to a domain’s DNS records propagate worldwide. If the TTL values on a domain’s DNS records are set too high, then it will take longer for DNS propagation to complete. Conversely, if the TTL values are set too low, then this may cause issues with the reliability and stability of the domain.

Finally, DNS server failures can also potentially affect this process. If a DNS server fails, this could cause issues with accessing the domain or cause slow loading times. It can also be challenging to troubleshoot and diagnose why the server failed, as many possible causes could have caused it. To help prevent and avoid DNS server failures, it is crucial to ensure that your DNS servers are constantly monitored and maintained.

Conclusion

DNS propagation is essential for any website owner to understand and maintain, as it helps ensure the global availability of their website. Understanding the steps, potential issues, and troubleshooting techniques whit it to ensure that your website is always up and running.

​What TTL means?

By VirgilPosted on Posted in NetworkTagged , No Comments on ​What TTL means?

If you are interested in networking, soon these letters will be in your way: TTL. Better to get familiar with their meaning and purpose now.

​What TTL means?

TTL means time-to-live, and it is a value contained in every IP or Internet Protocol data packet to determine its expiration time. The TTL value is defined by network administrators (senders) based on what is more convenient for the network’s operation, higher or lower values. The TTL informs network routers how long the data packet has been around the network for them to allow it or discard it.

​How does TTL work?

Every data packet sent from a host (source) to a destination (another host) will get set with a specific TTL value, established in a number of hops, in its IP header.

While traveling to its destination, the data packet will pass through different routers. Each one will reduce the data packet’s TTL value. At a certain point, the TTL value will be zero, and then, routers will discard the data packet and send to the sender an ICMP or Internet Control Message Protocol message to report “time exceeded”.

As you see, the TTL works as a sort of timer for data packets. It helps to control the maximum time or number of hops through the routers for data packets. Meaning they have to accomplish their trip (purpose) within the time defined by the sender. Once expired, they will be discarded.

​What are TTL’s purposes?

​Prevention of network congestion

The time-to-live value was created to control the amount of data packets circulating on networks. Without such a mechanism, imagine the number of already pointless and old data packets that could be traveling across a single network. This could be a serious obstacle for networks to work efficiently. However, having an expiry date and the means to be stopped, data packets, no matter if they multiply daily per million, can be under control.

​Tracing data about data packets

You can trace through the TTL the complete route data packets have followed, and the time they have been circulating within the network.

​Detection and mitigation of security threats

Some cyber attacks, like Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS), are executed by sending a large number of data packets with a high TTL value. Remember that the dark purpose is to overwhelm the target. When you (your system) detect such types of data packets, you can set up routers to discard them and mitigate the impact of the malicious attempt.

​Avoidance of routing loops

Routing loops are a big issue for networks. Data packets continually routed via the same routers over and over affect the performance of the network and consume resources like bandwidth and processing power. Thanks to the TTL setup on data packets, especially if the values are low, this issue can be stopped and prevented.

Suggested article: Dynamic DNS: Purpose & Benefits

​Conclusion

Now, you know what TTL or time-to-live means. It is a versatile mechanism you can use in different ways to ensure the security and efficiency of your network’s operation.

Free Monitoring service – Everything you need to know

By VirgilPosted on Posted in DNS servicesTagged , , , , , No Comments on Free Monitoring service – Everything you need to know

Are you thinking about getting a Free Monitoring service? Well done! Monitoring is a very useful and important practice to keep your online business healthy. So let’s go deeper into the topic to explain everything you need to know about it.

​What is a Monitoring service?

Monitoring service is the practice of checking in detail, the different aspects and elements (IT infrastructure) your online business involves. The objective is to ensure that everything works as expected and to notify you, through an effective means, when something demands attention or to be fixed. A monitoring service checks and alerts but also collects information about the operation and general behavior of the checked machines.

There are different monitoring services on the market, free and paid ones (with free trials).

​Why should you get a Free Monitoring service?

To fast detect downtime. This is essential! If your server is down, users can’t access your domain. The faster you realize and fix this, the fewer losses.

To prevent issues. Some businesses are only reactive. Their IT experts only work on certain issues until a concrete error appears. The problem with this type of operation is that you can always be surprised by malfunctions and other events, like dangerous cyber attacks.

To reduce fixing costs. Waiting until there is a problem, instead of preventing it through a constant Free Monitoring service, can mean expensive and time-consuming processes.

To save time and get a clear infrastructure overview. Commonly, when network administrators don’t have a monitoring service, they check essential infrastructure elements through independent tools. It works, but it takes a lot of time, and this method doesn’t offer you the very useful overview a Free Monitoring service can provide you.

To collect information about the overall operation. Using a Free Monitoring service, you can check your complete network from a single machine and in close to real-time (the free services are not as good as paid ones). If an error, malfunction, disruption, or another event is detected, your IT team will be immediately notified to fix the problem.

Besides, you will have access to important information collected to analyze and understand the issue better and prevent it.

To save money. There are very decent choices of non-paid monitoring services with interesting features to keep your business’ health under surveillance. What you should keep in mind in the word “limits”. Yes, such free services can run checks very well, but advanced features won’t be available for free. They will have a cost.

​What features can a Free Monitoring service include?

Features included in a Free Monitoring service will vary based on the provider you pick. Generally speaking, you could get:

  • Server and network monitoring. From 1 to more monitors (10, 20, and more).
  • From 5-minute to 30-minute uptime checks.
  • Response time monitoring.
  • HTTPS checks.
  • Reports of issues like downtime.
  • E-mail, Telegram, SMS, etc, alerts.
  • 10 or more monitoring locations.

​Conclusion

Free Monitoring services will save you time, money, and many headaches. It is the key to making prevention a reality.

Dynamic DNS: Purpose & Benefits

By VirgilPosted on Posted in DNS servers, DNS servicesTagged , , , , , , , , , , No Comments on Dynamic DNS: Purpose & Benefits

Dynamic DNS, also generally regarded as DDNS, is a process for regularly updating IP addresses. This DNS service may be helpful to many people. Why? Let’s look into it now.

What is the fundamental purpose of Dynamic DNS?

Dynamic DNS (DDNS) is a Domain Name System service that lets you assign a hostname to a device and associate it with its IP address. So far, it’s a simple A or AAAA record. The dynamic component stems from the fact that you can configure your router to report changes in this device’s IP address and send an update message to the DNS server where the link was established. The IP address of the hostname will be updated there. It is a method of automatically updating a device’s IP address and providing availability without human intervention. You can use Dynamic DNS to ensure that your service is available.

If you do not use this DNS service and wish to use a device to provide a service, you may encounter the following issue. Your Internet Service Provider (ISP) will eventually update your IP address using a dynamic method such as DHCP. As a result, you will receive a new IP address, and all clients need to reconnect. Unfortunately, if you are not close to the device, you may not be aware of the new IP address and may experience prolonged downtime.

Additionally, you can pay for a static IP address and use your device to deliver service without being concerned that the IP address will change. Specifically, there are two issues. First, the price was more than a Dynamic Domain Name System to start. Second, if your IP address is consistent, hackers may have little trouble finding your device. They’ll be aware of it and do everything they can to take advantage of it. An unfavorable situation, isn’t it?

Benefits of implementing it

Some advantages of DDNS include the ones listed below:

  • Dynamic DNS is a low-cost option. There are paid and free DDNS service providers. Therefore, it is much less costly than buying static IP addresses for the hardware in your organization.
  • Availability – Although the IP address changes, you can still access your system using a constant name in the URL or a VPN.
  • Easy to configure. Once you sign up for this service, it will automatically download.
  • Installation and maintenance of video surveillance (CCTV cameras) will require a reliable Internet connection. Due to Dynamic DNS, they will remain operational around the clock.
  • Dynamic DNS is a top consideration if you’re a corporate owner working remotely with a VPN, need wireless access for devices, or are hosting a website or personal blog.

Conclusion

Finally, you are now familiar with the purpose and main benefits of Dynamic DNS. It only requires a few minutes to set up and is incredibly simple. Most of the time, a free Dynamic DNS provider will suffice your needs, but if you want higher uptime and quality assurance, use a paying provider.

Get familiar with DNS services

By VirgilPosted on Posted in DNS servicesTagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , No Comments on Get familiar with DNS services

If you are looking for DNS services, you may have heard that they may improve domain resolution and enhance the functionality of your website. But how do they manage it? What is a DNS service? No worries. You will now discover.

Understanding of DNS

The Internet phonebook known as Domain Name System (DNS) links domain names to their IP addresses (domain resolution). So, all you need to do is locate the domain’s IP address for your device to load the website’s content.

DNS services – What does this mean?

By providing more servers closer to the customers who can respond more quickly, cloud-based DNS services, both Free DNS and Premium DNS (paid), can help increase the speed of domain resolution (the matching of a domain to its IP address). As a result, you’ll be able to respond to user queries more quickly and with less work on your DNS infrastructure if you have more servers spread across the globe.

Free DNS services: Meaning & Application

Great, we now understand the general characteristics of DNS services. Now let’s go into greater detail about the Free version and its contents.

It has a small number of features in the broadest sense. For instance, this plan frequently has Unicast DNS servers and a cap on DNS zones, records, and requests per month. Additionally, this plan often includes web redirection and Dynamic DNS.

Who is it appropriate for? For websites with little traffic and few queries, this strategy works best. However, a Premium DNS service is your best option if your website receives a lot of traffic. In the section after this one, let’s look at it.

And what does Premium DNS mean?

When talking about the Premium DNS service, you need to pay either monthly or per resource used (number of queries, number of servers, etc.). The best option is to select a monthly membership because you can better manage your spending this way.

Your domain name’s availability and speed will both significantly increase with the premium service. In addition, when you pay, you get a high-quality service from professionals who will make every effort to maintain their DNS network operational nearly 100% of the time as is practical.

So, we can say that with Premium DNS, it’s simple to:

  • Reduce the number of error codes and dropped queries.
  • Boost the loading and resolution times of the website. (improve the SEO)
  • Protect confidential data from hacker activity.
  • Protect your website from hackers attempting to reroute it to steal essential consumer data. 

In addition, Premium DNS provides the following features:

Conclusion

It’s critical for your business to have a reliable DNS service. You should consider several factors, such as the essential requirements of your website and the hosting environment you envision while selecting the greatest DNS hosting companies for you. Additionally, you should have a broad notion of the features, speed, and dependability you desire in your hosting service. But kindly avoid waiting till the worst occurs. Instead, consider establishing good DNS service to increase redundancy and reduce or stop DDoS attacks. Best of luck!

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