DNS Server


 Introduction
 DNS Server in WinRoute
 DNS Server Configuration


Introduction

 Each computer connected to the Internet is identified by unique numeric IP address. In order to connect to a computer in the Internet, its address must be known to the computer which is creating the connection. Since IP addresses are difficult to remember, Domain Name Service was created. The DNS is a database of descriptive names which are supposed to be easy to remember. Thus the user does not have to know the IP address of the server she/he wants to communicate with. It suffices to enter the appropriate name (e.g. www.yahoo.com) and DNS will find the actual IP address.

DNS Server in WinRoute

 WinRoute is equipped with a DNS module that is able to forward DNS queries to a chosen DNS server in the Internet. The DNS module stores the results of the queries in its internal cache where they are kept for a certain time. Subsequent repeated queries are then answered using the cached data without the need to wait until an answer from the Internet arrives. The DNS server in WinRoute is also able to answer DNS queries according to the user-defined HOSTS file.

DNS Server Configuration

When configuring the TCP/IP on a workstation which is supposed to use WinRoute as DNS server, it is necessary to enter the address of the computer running WinRoute as the DNS server address.

The DNS server is configured using the menu: Settings => DNS Server.

The configuration dialog is shown in the figure bellow:

DNS server configuration dialog

  • "DNS Server enabled"

    This option controls whether the DNS server is switched on or off.

  • "Enable lookup in HOST file"

    With this option checked, the DNS server is allowed to use data from the HOSTS file when answering the queries.

  • "Edit HOSTS file..."

    This button launches an external text editor in which you may edit the HOSTS file.

  • "Enable lookup in DHCP lease table"

    This allows the DNS server to answer queries using the Host name fields in data used by DHCP server. This option may only be used if your use the DHCP server contained in WinRoute. See the DHCP server manual.

  • "DNS domain"

    Enter your domain name (e.g. "acme.com") here. When answering DNS queries, the domain name is appended to host name obtained from the HOSTS file or from the DHCP lease table.

  • "Forward DNS queries to"

    Enter the numeric IP address of the DNS server to which you want to forward the DNS queries. Choose an address of your ISP's DNS server or of a server to which you have a quick access.

  • "Enable DNS cache"

    This allows answers to DNS queries to be stored in internal cache. Subsequent queries are then processed using the contents of the cache, without waiting for an answer from the DNS server outside your network.

    Note that the cache only stores the answers which are of the "Name => IP address" type. The answers are stored until they expire. The expiration time is supplied by the DNS servers together with each answer.

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