An authoritative DNS (Domain Name System) server is a DNS server that holds the definitive and official records for a particular domain. When a user queries a domain name to obtain its corresponding IP address or other DNS information, the request is typically directed to the authoritative DNS server for that domain.
The DNS system is hierarchical, and it involves multiple types of DNS servers, including authoritative DNS servers.
How DNS Communication Works
The DNS system is hierarchical, and it involves multiple types of DNS servers, including authoritative DNS servers.
Here’s how it generally works:
| Root DNS Servers | These are the highest-level DNS servers in the hierarchy. They store information about the top-level domain (TLD) names, such as “.com” or “.org.” |
| TLD DNS Servers | These servers are responsible for specific top-level domains. For example, the “.com” TLD servers handle queries related to domain names ending with “.com.” |
| Authoritative DNS Servers | Each domain has its own authoritative DNS servers. These servers store the actual DNS records for the domain, including information like IP addresses associated with the domain, mail server details, and other DNS records. |
Here is an illustration of how communication flows when you make a query to a domain like cleanbrowsing.org:
When someone makes a DNS query for a specific domain, the request is passed down the DNS hierarchy until it reaches the authoritative DNS server for that domain. The authoritative server then provides the accurate and official DNS information in response to the query.
Authoritative DNS servers play a crucial role in ensuring the correct resolution of domain names to IP addresses. They maintain the authoritative DNS records for their associated domains within the domains zone file and are the trusted source of information for those domains.
NOC offers an Authoritative DNS, learn more how we can become your authoritative source for your domains records.