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How do I create a caching-only DNS server?
John Savill
March 26, 2000
1 Min Read
A. Normally a DNS server holds records about various DNS zones whichare replicated between other DNS servers (via the Active Directory in a ADenabled zone).
Caching-only DNS servers don't actually host any zones and are notauthoritative for any domains but rather just cache results from queries askedthem by clients. If a client asks it to resolve www.savilltech.comit will a zone holding DNS server to resolve it and cache the answer so ifanother client asks it to resolve the same record it can answer from its cache.This is similar in a way to a proxy server that caches popular web pages.
These are useful for sites connected via a WAN with a local caching-only DNSserver saving on network traffic.
To configure a caching only DNS server perform the following:
Ensure the machine has a static IP address
Install the DNS service as per normal (Start - Settings - Control Panel - Add/Remove Software - Add/Remove Windows Components - Components - Networking Services - Details - Domain Name System (DNS) - OK - Next - Finish)
Start the DNS MMC (Start - Programs - Administrative Tools - DNS)
From the Action menu select 'Connect To Computer...'
In the Select Target Computer window enable 'The following computer:' and enter the name of a DNS server you want to cache.
Click here to view imageClick OK
The machine will now start to gather a cache of host-IP mappings.
To clear the cache right click on the actual server name (not the server itis caching from) and select 'Clear Cache' from the context menu.
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