How to Improve the Performance and Stability of the Domain Name System

DNS Configuration Is Typically Problematic. To minimize errors, security experts must review network protocols and connections and, if necessary, use accurate tools and software to assess the issue.

The DNS (Domain Name System) is an infrastructure that plays a vital role in the optimal performance of wide-area networks, especially the Internet, and is one of the essential pillars of the Internet and Internet-connected networks.

The Domain Name System (DNS) provides high availability, redundancy, and reliability, enabling enterprise services and Internet-based activities to operate effectively. Any defect in this service can cause serious problems for business operations.

The problem with DNS is that a minor error in the DNS configuration file can degrade service performance and affect all aspects of business operations. DNS failures disrupt your customers’ ability to use the products and cause significant material damage to the company.

Large organizations that use a domain name system without rigorously managing configurations expose their businesses to significant challenges.

Reducing access speed to content, mitigating cyberattacks, and ultimately stopping commercial activities are substantial challenges that cannot be ignored for this service. Unfortunately, some network experts believe that modifying a domain name system is easy, low-complexity, and rarely considered a necessary operational process.

Typically, small organizations ask a network expert to take on the task of configuring and managing a domain name system; However, as organizations grow larger and more complex, and the number of DNS servers and people playing a significant role in change increases, it becomes a necessity to prepare a team of communication infrastructure developers. Despite the large number of people making changes to the DNS, it is not surprising that sometimes things do not go as expected.

DNS problems are commonly caused by factors such as human error, software issues, and hardware failures. Still, the most common cause of DNS failure is misconfigured DNS server configuration files.

What can a small company do to improve DNS monitoring, given all this talk? Here are eight steps any company can take to enhance DNS quality and maintain consistent programs.

1. Manage DNS configuration using the review control

The simplest and most essential thing you can do to improve the quality of your DNS infrastructure is to configure DNS text files through a review control mechanism.

Many DNS service providers offer a control panel for these configuration files, allowing you to apply changes more quickly. However, the effects of the changes you make are not visible in these control panels, so do not use them as the first step; instead, manage your configuration files in the standard text file format.

Once you have changed your configuration type to the desired file format, you can manage these configuration files using review control software. You have processes for managing source code in your company, so you can use the same or a similar process to manage DNS configuration files.

The approach above is essential for maintaining performance and reducing DNS service errors. This simple change allows you to perform all tasks smoothly without disrupting the other parts of the development team responsible for reviewing network performance. Examples include checking configuration, workflow confirmation (a set of executable tasks that will stop until approved), and tracking when specific changes have been made.

2. Review all changes that are to be made to the DNS

Once you have managed your changes using a review control program, ensure that the changes you intend to make have been reviewed and approved. It is what programmers do when evaluating source code.

You can use techniques such as branches, pull requests, and merges. Specify a process to confirm all changes. Make sure at least one person reviews the changes before applying them to the configuration.

In this process, structural issues such as syntax errors, incorrect DNS settings, and other problems should be investigated. DNS configuration issues can be invisible, so a qualified expert should perform a thorough, structured review.

3. Document the purpose of the changes

Any change must be documented. Documenting the Domain Name System changes can be beneficial in the event of a problem. For this purpose, you should use techniques such as inserting a point of view on how to apply the change and the reason for the difference. Understanding the reason for the shift helps to address potential future issues. It also enables you to determine whether a particular change is appropriate.

4. Automate the configuration process

The best way to monitor and manage DNS, especially configuration files, is to automate updates to these files. Automating this process reduces the risk of unintended changes or minor errors that could cause the DNS to crash.

If you copy changes from one configuration file to another during deployment, you may be more likely to encounter errors and even introduce a bug in your domain name system. The change automation mechanism ensures that changes are implemented consistently and reliably.

5. Use a more advanced change management system

Experienced network experts know that changing the Domain Name System is complex. As the complexity of the domain name system increases, you should consider an integrated change management system to provide a simple, accurate control mechanism. These systems offer change request forms, license applications, and other similar procedures. However, the DNS configuration process must be completed as quickly as possible because it affects the business activities of a wide range of customers.

Lack of cross-departmental interaction can cause many problems in the long run. A simple DNS change can affect the performance of other parts of an organization. Therefore, it is recommended that you consult the relevant departments before making any changes, incorporate their suggestions, and then make the final decision.

Choosing the right option depends on the complexity, scope, structure, organizational technical aspects, and the software’s capabilities. Options include NicTool, VegaDNS, MySQL bin, Microsoft DNS, SuaveDNS, etc.

6. Use a standalone DNS provider

A high-quality DNS service requires steps beyond configuration management and a robust operating environment grounded in a precise architecture. Many ISPs also offer DNS services.

The most critical tool that should continue to function normally during a service outage is your DNS. In addition, cloud service providers typically provide good-quality DNS services. However, you should be a little careful if you plan to use a DNS service provider that offers other services, such as cloud services.

You need DNS to detect and fix other glitches. If DNS also fails, the service downtime increases. Therefore, choosing a high-quality DNS provider that offers only DNS services will prevent such problems. It will disconnect your DNS (and any issues with your DNS) from other services and reduce the likelihood of widespread DNS downtime.

Make sure you choose a domain name service provider that is not affiliated with any other company, such as the cloud provider you currently use. For example, suppose AWS (Amazon’s service) is down. An independent DNS provider is expected to continue operating; if the domain name provider is also affiliated with AWS, this is not the case.

Some organizations set up their domain name system. If you decide to do this, make sure you run it using resources independent of other applications. You have deployed the domain name system across various data centers, availability zones, and cloud sites, separate from other applications.

7. Separate the internal and external domain name system

Let’s take another step toward the final solution we mentioned. Your domain name system may serve the organization’s internal purposes or may be provided as a business service to customers. The system provides internal domain name access to internal documents, including email and communication tools, and other internal processes and systems.

The external domain name system provides customers with access to your company’s programs, products, and services. If you have designed a system that is intended to provide two distinct services, you must use a precise management mechanism for it. If the external DNS crashes, fix it. Internal is more complicated.

For example, the lack of separation between external and internal DNS was one of the reasons Facebook experienced severe problems in October 2021. Conversely, if the internal domain name system fails, you certainly do not want this issue to affect external customers’ activities negatively.

To solve this problem, you can use different services from different providers, apply different DNS configurations, and verify everything carefully before deploying the design to avoid unintended issues.

8. Make a copy of the DNS, but place it on another company’s service infrastructure

Large companies place their domain name system on the infrastructure of two different providers. In this case, the first system acts as the leading provider and the second as the backup. As a result, if the primary DNS fails, the backup will be quickly inserted into the circuit to avoid service disruption.

Ensure the backup is complete, operational, tested, and compatible with the original. In other words, it should not differ from the original version so that it can be replaced as needed. If you have implemented the automation process suggested in the previous solutions, it is not particularly complex.

last word

The Domain Name System is a critical service and should be designed from the outset based on the two principles of accessibility and high reliability. Also, when creating the Domain Name System (DNS) infrastructure, you should consider security issues.

As mentioned, DNS, like other network components, requires continuous monitoring to ensure it runs smoothly. It is recommended to use the management tools prepared for this purpose and be warned in the event of a problem to take the necessary action as soon as possible.

DNS downtime is common, but it should not disrupt commercial operations. By using the right processes and tools, you can minimize downtime impact and ensure business operations continue.

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