RFC 2536 (rfc2536) - Page 2 of 6


DSA KEYs and SIGs in the Domain Name System (DNS)



Alternative Format: Original Text Document



RFC 2536                     DSA in the DNS                   March 1999


   This document describes how to store US Government Digital Signature
   Algorithm (DSA) keys and signatures in the DNS.  Familiarity with the
   US Digital Signature Algorithm is assumed [Schneier].  Implementation
   of DSA is mandatory for DNS security.

2. DSA KEY Resource Records

   DSA public keys are stored in the DNS as KEY RRs using algorithm
   number 3 [RFC 2535].  The structure of the algorithm specific portion
   of the RDATA part of this RR is as shown below.  These fields, from Q
   through Y are the "public key" part of the DSA KEY RR.

   The period of key validity is not in the KEY RR but is indicated by
   the SIG RR(s) which signs and authenticates the KEY RR(s) at that
   domain name.

           Field     Size
           -----     ----
            T         1  octet
            Q        20  octets
            P        64 + T*8  octets
            G        64 + T*8  octets
            Y        64 + T*8  octets

   As described in [FIPS 186] and [Schneier]: T is a key size parameter
   chosen such that 0