
They also (typically) cache the result to answer potential future queries within a certain expiration ( time-to-live) period.

they contain the original set of data, or they can be secondary or slave name servers, containing data copies usually obtained from synchronization directly with the primary server, either via a DNS mechanism, or by other data store synchronization mechanisms. Authoritative name servers can be primary name servers, also known as master servers, i.e. "Acme Example Widgets") would provide its own authority services to respond to address queries, or for other DNS information, for These servers are listed as being at the top of the authority chain for their respective domains, and are capable of providing a definitive answer. Authoritative server: authoritative name servers publish DNS mappings for domains under their authoritative control.


The two principal roles, which may be implemented either uniquely or combined in a given product are: Excluded from consideration are single-feature DNS tools (such as proxies, filters, and firewalls) and redistributions of servers listed here (many products repackage BIND, for instance, with proprietary user interfaces).ĭNS servers are grouped into several categories of specialization of servicing domain name system queries. Each of these DNS servers is an independent implementation of the DNS protocols, capable of resolving DNS names for other computers, publishing the DNS names of computers, or both.
