Alex Williams

Everyone involved in web or networking knows that DNS is the root of the internet.

Despite this, some people forget how to properly configure their domains for full redundancy. It is common practice to add 2 Name Server records for each domain. (i.e: ns1.domain.com and ns2.domain.com). Nothing is wrong with that. The big problem is when those two Name Servers are at the same physical location (i.e: same data center or worst, same physical server).

What happens if that data center catches on fire? Or there’s a major power outage and the backup generators dont work… well, you lose the ability to resolve your domain. You might say: well in that case you can go to your Registrar and simply change the Name Servers… what if your Registrar is in the same location? Too bad!


I’ve seen the above situation a few too many times. Why put all your eggs in 1 basket?

If you want real DNS redundancy, here is what you should do:

• 1. If you register your domain with GoDaddy, DON’T use them to host your Name Servers.
• 2. Specify at least 2 Name Servers which are in different physical locations.
• 3. Configure the 2nd Name Server to automatically retrieve DNS updates from the 1st Name Server.


We all hope for there never to be any major outages etc, but when it happens, it’s nice to know that we have a good backup and failover solution which allows us to get back up and running as quickly as possible.

I recommend EveryDNS.net. The service is completely free and they give you complete control over your DNS records. It’s important to note that the service was also created by the founder of OpenDNS. A nice bonus!