Charles Darke | 22 November 2007After the recent 123-reg debacle, I did something that I probably should have done a while ago: I set up my own Authoratative name server. So the domain name 'digitalconsumption.com' is now being served by a virtual server on the same physical hardware as my webserver.
Selecting DNS software is the same as selecting any software: all DNS software sucks, so try to find one that sucks the least.
In the end, I chose djbdns. This was mainly because I didn't need any advanced features and wanted a server that would be low maintenance.
The djbdns install instructions were straight forward and the name servers were switched over in minutes:
and the server works fine:
As DNS is critical to internet stability and security, running your own means that quite a lot could go wrong if your DNS server goes down including lost mails and unreachable webservers.
It's worth noting that 123-reg now have an option to mix their own nameservers with a third party webserver so in theory you can use 123-reg servers but host your own backup DNS server.
However, since my DNS server runs on the same physical machine, any disruption to the server would impact my webserver anyway and so there is no real additional failure point introduced.
Besides, I'd rather not trust 123-reg to handle DNS again!
Selecting DNS software is the same as selecting any software: all DNS software sucks, so try to find one that sucks the least.
In the end, I chose djbdns. This was mainly because I didn't need any advanced features and wanted a server that would be low maintenance.
The djbdns install instructions were straight forward and the name servers were switched over in minutes:
Domain servers in listed order:
A.NS.DIGITALCONSUMPTION.COM 87.117.204.85
B.NS.DIGITALCONSUMPTION.COM 87.117.204.85
and the server works fine:
;; QUESTION SECTION:
;digitalconsumption.com. IN A
;; ANSWER SECTION:
digitalconsumption.com. 86050 IN A 87.117.204.86
As DNS is critical to internet stability and security, running your own means that quite a lot could go wrong if your DNS server goes down including lost mails and unreachable webservers.
It's worth noting that 123-reg now have an option to mix their own nameservers with a third party webserver so in theory you can use 123-reg servers but host your own backup DNS server.
However, since my DNS server runs on the same physical machine, any disruption to the server would impact my webserver anyway and so there is no real additional failure point introduced.
Besides, I'd rather not trust 123-reg to handle DNS again!
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New topicComments (2)
Written by Guest: Credit Crunch at 1:12pm, 16 May 2008.If you have your own DNS server, does this mean you can register a domain name with nominet and bypass companies like uk2.net?
Who do you inform when you create your name server?
In theory, yes you can. However, registering directly with nominet is expensive (unless you become a member).
Otherwise, you can register with a provider that allows you to use a different DNS server. The nameserver gets registered with the root servers.
Written by Charles Darke at 1:28pm, 16 May 2008.
Too much candy
PIC OSD circuit
More seriously, we wonder this: how is it that Warren Buffett can cut a better deal with the best-run financial company in America than the U.S. Treasury can ask from the worst-run financial companies in America?
Who do you inform when you create your name server?