DNS allows us to access websites using human-readable domain names like “www.example.com” instead of complex IP addresses like “192.0.2.1.” Behind the scenes, Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and hosting providers play a critical role in managing DNS for their customers. In this blog, let’s delve into how Net10.net Internet Services manages DNS and its significance for Internet users.
Understanding DNS and Its Importance
Before delving into an ISP’s role, let’s briefly explain DNS and why it is essential. DNS is like a phonebook for the internet, translating user-friendly domain names into corresponding IP addresses that computers use to locate and connect to each other. Like most Internet infrastructure, DNS is a distributed service. When you enter a web address into your browser, the DNS resolver configured on your device (usually a server managed by your ISP) first consults its local cache to see if it can answer the request without further lookups.
If the site is one that you or another user of the same DNS resolver has accessed recently, the entry is likely already in the local cache. If not, a multi-tiered query is initiated, starting with the Root Servers. Root Servers are a distributed network of servers that provide crucial information for looking up domain names based on the Top Level Domain (TLD) – such as .com, .net, or .uk. The Root Server tells the resolver where to look next for the answer to its query. The resolver repeats this process, following successive “referrals” (called delegations) until a server is reached that provides an authoritative answer. That authoritative answer is then cached in the resolver’s local cache and provided to the system that requested it. If any system in this chain fails to work properly and doesn’t have a redundant backup, users cannot obtain an answer, and the desired service(s) will be unavailable.
Quality DNS infrastructure is critical as it directly impacts Internet speed, reliability, and security. Net10.net’s efficient DNS management leads to faster website loading times and better user experiences. It also plays a role in safeguarding users from potential cyber threats, such as phishing attacks and malware.
How Net10.net Manages DNS for Our Customers
Load Balancing, Geo-Diversity, and Redundancy
Net10.net Internet Services provides load balancing and redundancy techniques to ensure high availability and reliability. Load balancing distributes DNS queries across multiple servers to avoid overburdening any single server. Redundancy involves having multiple DNS servers that can handle the same queries, ensuring continuity in case of server failures. This also allows for servers to be placed in geographically diverse locations, allowing user queries to be returned more quickly.
Domain Registrars frequently offers “free” DNS hosting with domain registrations. While these services work fine, the level of available technical support is often minimal, and little to no emphasis is placed on speed and availability. Numerous DNS outages have occurred at large registrars in recent years, causing unnecessary outages of client websites. While Net10 never requires a client to host DNS with us, we do suggest avoiding “free” DNS services provided by domain registrars.
Net10.net Record Management
This may be one of the most important elements of a sound DNS strategy. Changes are often made or requested hastily or without appropriate review because those making the request (software vendors, website developers, email marketing companies, etc.) are only familiar with their particular request and not the other services that a customer may have set up. When Net10 manages records for a client, there is an added benefit of technical review of the changes for potential impacts to other services.
Net10.Net gives clients direct access to make their own DNS changes, but clients can always run those changes by us before implementing – just in case.
DNSSEC (Domain Name System Security Extensions):
DNSSEC is a suite of security extensions for DNS that provides protection against spoofing and other cyber threats. We include DNSSEC on our Recursive DNS Servers to validate data and ensure its integrity, providing customers with a more secure online experience.
Net10 Internet Services plays an integral role in managing DNS for our customers, facilitating the smooth functioning of the Internet. By employing recursive DNS servers, caching mechanisms, load balancing, redundancy, and security measures like DNSSEC, we strive to deliver a fast, reliable, and secure internet experience.
Addressing concerns related to user privacy and DNS hijacking as technology evolves is essential for ensuring a more transparent and user-centric Internet ecosystem. Understanding how we manage DNS empowers our customers to make informed decisions about their internet connectivity and security. Contact us if you have concerns or questions about DNS. We are always glad to help. Be sure to check out our other services, such as Business Application Hosting, Private Cloud Hosting, WordPress Hosting, and much more!
BTW, our WordPress Site Management Tips blog provides excellent advice if you are a WordPress fan.
Our related blog, What The Heck Is DNS, And Why Every Internet User Should Care is a good read, too. If you have any questions, contact us; we will gladly help.