Backup DNS server 1

[ccnguy]

We are a Netware/Microsoft shop using internal DNS from our Firewall. We need to have a secondary dns server setup in case
our primary one goes down or is disable for some reason. What do you recommend I use. We have an as400, Linux and Novell
box that we can place it on? How would the secondary work if the primary goes down?

Thanks

 

[SgtB]

I'd run BIND on the Linux machine, but thats my personal preference. You can just specify this new DNS server as the secondary for all your clients. You set set that through DHCP. I've never touched Netware, so I'm not sure how you'd do it through there.
This is only for internal resolution though correct?

 

[ccnguy]

Yes for internal only. What if I was goin to use for ext. dns also?

Thanks

 

[SgtB]

If you have a route to the internet from the internal DNS server, then you could simply add the ISP's DNS server as a forwarder on one of your internal DNS servers. This would allow for internal and external name resolution.

If you're hositng your own domain, and would like to set up an external DNS server that is accessible from the internet....then thats a different story.

Hope this helps!

 

[SgtB]

On a side note about your previous question on a secondary DNS server, I'd use whatever your most comfortable with. Possibly even the same platform as your original DNS server. That way you won't run into any problems when dealing with zone transfers and such, and would make troubleshooting that much easier.

Just some advice!

 

[ccnguy]

I have a WINS server that can be used as a secondary dns.
Is WINS only used as an internal remedy or can it also be used for external issues? I am aware of the Netware dns solution but this solution does not seem to have a place to put a forwarder.

Thanks

 

[SgtB]

WINS is an internal name resolution service only. Its only used with microsoft too. OS's like 9x and NT need WINS for NT/2000 Domain authentication, and other things.

You can run WINS and DNS on the same server w/o much of a problem (depending on traffic).