DNS server unique zone

The DNS [Domain Name System] is a key component of a network infrastructure. It allows you to use NAMES instead of IP addresses and technical garbage.

You can learn how it works through a simple Google request.

Here, I will focus on the installation of a DNS primary server (= DNS for domain smartcards.local) using BIND9.

Setup

apt-get install bind9 dnsutils bind9-doc

Primary master

A DNS primary master is the main DNS for your local domain (ex: smartcards.local).

These are the steps to do:

• Set the external DNS to use by your server
  • File: /etc/bind/named.conf.options

• Declare the new domain to manage
  • File: /etc/bind/named.conf.local

• Create a dedicated configuration file for the new domain
  • New file: /etc/bind/smartcards.local

• Adjust the reverse zone
  • Rename and adjust file: /etc/bind/db.192

Set the external DNS

This is the list of DNS your server will use to populate its own cache.

The external DNS can either be your ISP's DNS or Google's servers.

!! Mind the order !! First DNS have a higher priority.

Edit configuration file:

vim /etc/bind/named.conf.options

Adjust the file content

forwarders {
     # Local gateway or router
     192.168.1.1; 

     # Your ISP DNS IP’s 
     182.176.39.23;
     182.176.18.13;

     # Google's DNS
     8.8.8.8
     8.8.4.4
};