Authoritative DNS server – Why is it important?
Do you want to know why an authoritative DNS server is essential? Great. You are in the right place. Why? Because in this article today, we will explore exactly that and other exciting things about it.
Explanation of authoritative DNS server
A DNS server that both maintains the original Resource Records and the Zone for the DNS Namespace domain is known as an authoritative DNS server. The information for name resolution of the DNS Namespace domain that it stores originated from reliable DNS servers. The last informational source for name resolution for the DNS zones they hold is an authoritative DNS server.
There are two essential duties for an authoritative DNS server. One is to store a list of domain names and their associated IP addresses (TLD name servers). The second is maintaining all zone DNS records and responding to recursive server queries using the appropriate DNS record (A, MX, TXT, etc.). Recursive servers must deliver the needed information to connect to the computer and browser, load the requested webpage, and complete the transaction.
Several variables can somewhat alter this process, but generally, it proceeds as described each time a client requests your website. And it needs to happen as soon as possible to prevent them from growing impatient and walking away.
How do I check the authoritative DNS servers?
You can use the nslookup command, available on Windows, macOS, and Linux, to check authoritative DNS servers.
We must perform a DNS lookup to find all nameservers for the domain.
Launch the Command Prompt in Windows or the Terminal in macOS or Linux. Next, run: nslookup -type=ns example.com
The nameservers and their IP addresses (IPv4 or IPv6) will be listed. Furthermore, you can replace example.com with the domain name of your choice.
You can also examine each nameserver individually to ensure they respond correctly and on time.
How do I set it up?
- First, register a domain with your domain name registry.
- Each domain name registrar lets you set up primary and secondary name servers (master and slave servers).
In addition, you need first to subscribe to DNS hosting plan and add their name servers to your domain name’s registrar’s list of authoritative name servers before you can utilize the dynamic DNS service or DNS hosting services. Then, and only then, the server responds to queries for your domain name.
Conclusion
Let’s review. In simple words, authoritative DNS servers are responsible for the intended website‘s IP “mapping.” The authoritative server response to the recursive server contains crucial information about each website, such as IP addresses and other DNS records. DNS hosting providers often oversee reliable servers.