http://www.Curtis-M-Kularski.info
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Table of Contents
What is DNS?DNS is the Domain Name System. DNS is the ultimate hierarchical network. The DNS structure consists of the Root Zone (.) and many sub-levels are are unlimitedly divided and delegated into more sub-levels. Back to Top
Is there a book I can learn this from?Yes, DNS and BIND by Paul Albitz and Cricket Liu. This is the ultimate DNS book, there is no equal substitute. Back to Top
What makes the DNS tick?DNS is fueled by 13 DNS servers spread all over the world. The servers are named A.Root-Servers.net to M. Root-Servers.net. Some of the servers are hidden, some are not. Some of the servers are in the United States, others are internationally separate. Root Server A is operated by Network Solutions (A Verisign company). Back to Top
When was DNS created?The DNS system was brought online in 1985. There were few TLDs then: .COM, .NET, .ORG, .US and .ARPA. About 1 year later about 200 ccTLDs and several other gTLDs were brought online. The new gTLDs were: .EDU, .GOV, .MIL, and .INT. After the last additions, it wasn't expected that any more TLDs would be needed, they were wrong. Seven new TLDs have been added, as of 2001. Back to Top
Why was DNS created?Before DNS there was a single file called HOSTS.TXT that was used to keep track of all computers on the Internet. This system had been in place since the 1970s. The HOSTS.TXT file was getting very large and it was hard for many organizations to continue downloading it when it was updated. DNS uses several files, and those files are available from 13 servers. Organizations have the option to either download the entire root-zone file or just to query the servers when ever they need updated information about a specific domain. Most ISPs follow the latter method. Back to Top
Who controls DNS?IETF - controls standards that affect it Back to Top
How do I get help?There are several ways to get assistance. One of the best is to connect to your ISP's NNTP (news) server and subscribe to comp.protocols.dns.bind. Another way to get help is to contact me. You may contact me at Curtis@Kularski.net with your DNS questions/problems and may be able to help you out. Back to Top
Why does Curtis care about DNS?I care about DNS because it is the naming system that separates us humans from machines. DNS is the one system that is universal across the internet and knows no boundaries. It is great to see many companies and governments working together to operate the 13 Root Zone servers. I also like DNS because I enjoy maintaining domain names, and DNS files. Back to Top
Curtis M. Kularski
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Curtis M. Kularski |
