DNS on Windows Server 2003, 3rd Edition

Where Do I Put My Name Servers?

In addition to giving you a rough idea of how many name servers you’ll need, these criteria should help you decide where to run name servers (e.g., on file servers and multihomed hosts). But there are other important considerations when choosing the right host.

Other factors to keep in mind are the host’s connectivity, the software it runs (for example, the Microsoft DNS Server or BIND), the security of your host, and maintaining the homogeneity of your name servers:

Connectivity

It’s important that name servers be well connected. Running a name server on the fastest, most reliable host on your network won’t do you any good if the host is mired in some backwater subnet of your network behind a slow, flaky serial line. Try to find a host close to your link to the Internet (if you have one) or find a well-connected Internet host to act as a secondary for your zone. On your own network, try to run name servers near the network’s topological hubs.

It’s doubly important that your primary master name server be well connected. For reliable zone transfers, the primary needs good connectivity to all the secondaries that update from it. And, like any name server, it will benefit from fast, reliable networking.

Software

Another factor to consider in choosing a host for a name server is the software the host runs. If you bought this book, we’ll assume it’s because you want to run the Microsoft DNS Server. Keep in mind that you’ll be able to manage remote name servers ...