RFC 2182 (rfc2182) - Page 2 of 12
Selection and Operation of Secondary DNS Servers
Alternative Format: Original Text Document
RFC 2182 Selection and Operation of Secondary DNS Servers July 1997
Contents
Abstract ................................................... 1
1 Introduction ............................................... 2
2 Definitions ................................................ 2
3 Secondary Servers .......................................... 3
4 Unreachable servers ........................................ 5
5 How many secondaries? ...................................... 7
6 Finding Suitable Secondary Servers ......................... 8
7 Serial Number Maintenance .................................. 9
Security Considerations .................................... 11
References ................................................. 11
Acknowledgements ........................................... 11
Authors' Addresses ......................................... 11
1. Introduction
A number of problems in DNS operations today are attributable to poor
choices of secondary servers for DNS zones. The geographic placement
as well as the diversity of network connectivity exhibited by the set
of DNS servers for a zone can increase the reliability of that zone
as well as improve overall network performance and access
characteristics. Other considerations in server choice can
unexpectedly lower reliability or impose extra demands on the
network.
This document discusses many of the issues that should be considered
when selecting secondary servers for a zone. It offers guidance in
how to best choose servers to serve a given zone.
2. Definitions
For the purposes of this document, and only this document, the
following definitions apply:
DNS The Domain Name System [RFC 1034, RFC 1035].
Zone A part of the DNS tree, that is treated as a
unit.
Forward Zone A zone containing data mapping names to host
addresses, mail exchange targets, etc.
Elz, et al. Best Current Practice
