Best DNS Servers

Guide to DNS Servers

DNS servers (Domain Name System) are an integral part of the internet infrastructure. They act like an address book, translating human-readable domain names into machine-readable IP addresses. Whenever you enter a URL into your browser or click a link to visit a website, DNS servers are responsible for finding the correct destination for you.

The DNS system is made up of several different types of servers, each playing their own critical role in the process:

Primary Name Servers: Also known as authoritative name servers, these are central databases that contain all the information about domains and subdomains registered with the associated registrar or registry operator — like who owns them and what IP address they map to. Primary name servers maintain a “zone file” which is a record list of all associated domains and pointers to corresponding secondary name servers for those domains.

Secondary Name Servers: As indicated by their name, secondary name servers provide redundancy and backup data in case the primary name server fails. They receive frequent updates from primary name servers through zone transfer and keep their records updated according to other processes such as refresh and retry values specified by the registrar's technical contact.

Caching Name Servers: Caching Name Servers are often referred to as recursive resolvers because they respond to requests first before referring them to Primary/Secondary Name Servers for authoritative answers if needed. This makes lookups faster since cached answers can be served immediately without having to wait for a resolution from other authoritative sources. Additionally, caching can also reduce bandwidth usage on shared hosting environments when many websites use similar assets from external sources since it eliminates redundant queries in favor of one that serves all clients simultaneously when the cache is utilized properly.

Recursive Resolvers: As mentioned before, Recursive Resolvers play an important role in making lookups faster by answering initial requests independently before turning over authoritative answer from other sources where applicable. To do this effectively, the recursive resolver must maintain its own local database containing mappings it resolved previously along with expiration timestamps so it knows when entries need refreshing.

Root Name Servers: Root Name Server refers to any one of 13 master DNS server clusters located across the globe operated by respective organizations including ICANN, Verisign, etc. These root servers form the backbone infrastructure which gives access points worldwide where all DNS traffic passes through at some point during the entire lookup process.

It's important to note that all records in DNS are organized hierarchically according to the “domain tree” structure. In this scheme, each domain name is associated with its own zone file stored on the name server and subdomains can inherit some of their settings from parent domains but still maintain separate entries for specific changes or configurations.

In summary, DNS Servers provide essential services for translating human-readable web addresses into machine-readable IPs so we can navigate the internet quickly and safely. Without them, the modern web would be much slower and more difficult to use.

Features Provided by DNS Servers

• Domain Name Resolution: DNS servers provide the ability to resolve domain names into IP addresses. This allows for users to be able to access websites that utilize an IP address, instead of a domain name, by using a more recognizable and user-friendly URL.
• Load Balancing: DNS servers can help in distributing traffic across multiple servers by using load balancing techniques. This helps balance the load on various servers and can result in increased performance and reliability.
• Caching: DNS servers maintain a local cache of recent queries which enables them to quickly respond to queries without having to make a request to another server. This helps reduce latency when accessing websites as the DNS server already has the answer cached locally.
• Security: By leveraging firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and authentication services, DNS servers are able to provide better security for networks by blocking malicious requests and providing secure communication between clients and other network resources.
• Reliability: DNS servers are generally quite reliable due to their distributed nature, meaning that if one server goes down another will take its place so that service is not disrupted for users. Additionally, many versions of DNS software implement failover mechanisms which ensure continuity of service in case one server goes down.

What Types of DNS Servers Are There?

• Primary DNS Server: A primary DNS server is the master server for a domain. It stores the records and can make changes to them. It is responsible for providing zone data to secondary servers when requested.
• Secondary DNS Server: A secondary DNS server acts as a backup in case the primary fails or becomes unavailable. It also helps with distributing queries more efficiently by caching answers, reducing latency, and offloading some of the query load from the primary.
• Caching-only DNS Server: A caching-only DNS server stores responses from other servers that it has received in memory so that future requests can be answered quickly without having to contact other servers. These servers are used to improve performance and reduce network traffic by avoiding unnecessary requests over the Internet.
• Forwarding-only DNS Server: A forwarding-only DNS server does not store any information but instead forwards all requests it receives to another specified name server for resolution. This type of server is often used when you need to configure multiple domains which have different authoritative name servers on a single network interface (e.g., when you have multiple websites hosted on one IP address).
• Hidden Master or Stealth Primary Name Server: A hidden master or stealth primary name server provides an additional layer of security by hiding your domain's authoritative name servers from public view. In this setup, stealth primaries provide zone data to secondaries while remaining invisible to external sources such as malicious attackers and curious third parties who may want access your domain's configuration details without permission.
• Recursive Resolver (or Resolver): The recursive resolver serves queries coming from local devices such as desktops and mobile phones, acting as an intermediary between these devices and authoritative name servers in order to resolve domain names into IP addresses they can use for communication purposes.

DNS Servers Trends

1. Increased Security: As cyber-attacks become more sophisticated, DNS servers must adapt to provide better security. This includes the implementation of DNSSEC (Domain Name System Security Extensions) to mitigate data theft and spoofing.
2. Improved Performance: DNS servers are constantly being improved to deliver faster responses and enhanced performance. This includes caching techniques such as Anycast and DNSSEC-validation which can reduce query times.
3. Greater Flexibility: DNS servers are now able to provide more flexibility with the ability to use different types of records and configurations in order to better serve the needs of users. This includes wildcard records, split DNS, and multiple views.
4. Automation: There are now tools available which allow for automated deployment of DNS servers, allowing for faster setup and reduced manual effort.
5. Multi-Protocol Support: Many DNS servers now support a variety of protocols such as IPv4, IPv6, and DNSSEC. This enables them to better serve users with different needs.
6. Content Distribution Networks (CDN): More DNS servers are now supporting content distribution networks in order to improve performance by delivering content from multiple locations around the world.
7. Cloud Hosting: Many DNS servers are now supporting cloud hosting in order to provide greater scalability and availability for large-scale applications.
8. Monitoring & Reporting: Advanced monitoring tools allow administrators to monitor their DNS server's performance and receive real-time alerts when issues arise. This allows them to quickly address any problems that may arise.

DNS Servers Benefits

1. Increased Network Efficiency: DNS servers can help reduce network traffic, as individual hosts/clients don’t need to repeatedly search the internet for information. Instead, they simply query the DNS server, which can quickly provide all requested data from a single source.
2. Improved Reliability: DNS servers act as a central repository for information about domain names and their associated IP addresses that are stored in a distributed database. This means even if one server happens to be offline, another can take its place. As such, it offers improved reliability of data delivery over regular hosting.
3. Enhanced Security: By leveraging effective security measures such as cryptographic techniques, access control lists and firewalls, DNS servers can protect against malicious activities like phishing spoofing attacks and other cybercrime activities.
4. Greater Flexibility and Scalability: With the help of DNS servers, you can easily add new services or configure different applications with their own unique domain names. You can also scale your web hosting services up or down based on demand without any disruption to service availability or performance.
5. Cost Savings: Utilizing a DNS Server will save your business money by reducing IT overhead costs for managing multiple servers since all requests are managed from one centralized location. It will also reduce costs associated with maintaining multiple redundant systems in case of system failure or downtime due to technical issues.

How to Pick the Right DNS Server

Choosing the right DNS servers can be a tricky process, but there are certain factors to consider that can help make the decision easier.

1. Reliability: Look for servers with good uptime and fast response times. You should also look for one that is close to your physical location, so it won’t take as long for your site to load from different locations.
2. Security: Make sure that the DNS server you choose is secure and doesn’t have any known security vulnerabilities or issues.
3. Features: Check if the DNS server has any extra features like DNSSEC support or other security protocols that may be beneficial to you.
4. Cost: Compare prices between different DNS hosting companies and decide which one fits best within your budget.
5. Support: Read reviews of each service provider and find out what type of customer support they offer in case you need help managing your domains in the future.

Make use of the comparison tools above to organize and sort all of the DNS servers products available.

Types of Users that Use DNS Servers

• Businesses: Companies use DNS servers to host websites and ensure that their company name is visible on the internet.
• Individuals/Home Users: Home users rely on DNS servers to access websites and watch videos online, or for hosting small personal websites.
• Internet Service Providers (ISPs): ISPs manage DNS servers as part of their network infrastructure in order to provide customers with access to the web.
• Network Administrators/Systems Engineers: Network administrators and systems engineers work with DNS servers on a daily basis in order to maintain corporate networks and ensure smooth operations.
• Security Professionals: Security professionals use DNS servers to monitor incoming traffic, block malicious requests, and ensure all web traffic is secure.
• Government Organizations: Governments operate national-level DNS servers that help manage public records such as domain names, IP addresses, and other essential information required by citizens and institutions around the world.
• Schools/Universities: Schools and universities manage DNS servers as part of their internal IT infrastructure in order to provide students, faculty, and staff with access to the web.
• Research Institutions: Research institutions rely on DNS servers to store research data, facilitate communication between researchers around the world, and ensure secure access to sensitive information.
• Cloud Computing Services: Cloud computing services use DNS servers in order to route traffic faster and more securely between websites on a cloud-hosted platform.

DNS Servers Cost

The cost of a DNS server can depend on many factors, including the type of server, the amount of storage space needed, and the hosting provider. Generally speaking, basic DNS servers are fairly affordable and could start at around $10 per month. In some cases, organizations may need more advanced features such as load balancing or an increased amount of uptime; in this instance, the monthly fees for these services could range from $20 to $50 per month. If you are looking for dedicated or enterprise-level options that require custom settings and configurations, then the price can go up significantly—in some cases costing hundreds or even thousands of dollars per month. Additionally, if your organization needs remote access or additional security features such as encryption, then the cost can also increase. Ultimately, the exact cost of a DNS server will vary depending on your specific requirements and the provider you choose.

What Software Do DNS Servers Integrate With?

Software that can integrate with DNS servers includes operating systems, web browsers, applications, and monitoring software. Operating systems such as Windows, macOS and Linux often have built-in DNS integration options that allow users to specify their own DNS server. Web browsers such as Chrome, Firefox, and Safari also have the capability to use a different DNS server for any website visited. Applications like email clients and other communication programs may also have an option to specify a particular DNS server. Monitoring software is used to monitor the performance of DNS servers by collecting data from the servers over time in order to identify potential faults or problems. This software is often used by IT teams to ensure that their organization's network infrastructure is running smoothly.