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Introduction to DNS

Course Overview

Every time someone uses Janet or the commercial Internet they make use of DNS. DNS handles the mapping between the users requests and internet addresses. The main objective of this course is to provide a basic understanding of DNS principles and theory. Some of the key technical implementations will be reviewed in the context of a Windows 2003 DNS interface but the priority of the course is to provide delegates with a sound background in DNS principles.

Topics Covered

  • Basic DNS theory
  • Delegation of DNS domains and administration of UK DNS domains
  • DNS messages Zone files and abbreviations
  • Client resolver configuration
  • Setting up Nameservers Split DNS
  • Configuring dynamic updates
  • NOTIFY and incremental zone transfers
  • DNS applications and security

Benefits

  • Share good practice and learn from others from within academic networking
  • Tailored course specifically designed for Janet connected organisations
  • 1yr online support following the course
  • High quality materials including case studies, checklist and examples
  • Learn from subject matter experts within the Janet community
  • Affordable prices
  • All course materials, equipment and labs provided

Who Should Attend

This course is aimed at organisations or users new to the principles of DNS or its implementation within a local area network (LAN). Experience with using a computer and a standard web browser is required. Delegates should also have an understanding of telecommunication networks and their organisations LAN, as well as basic system administration of clients and servers.

What Will You Learn?

On completion of this one day course, delegates will be able to:

  • Describe the key elements within the Domain Name Space and explain the difference between a domain and zone
  • Describe the management roles within the ac.uk domain
  • Explain the role of Resource Records and identify them when referenced
  • Describe the relationship between Primary and Secondary Nameservers, zone transfer and resolver processes
  • Describe the Reverse Zone Files process and how classless IP addresses are managed with the DNS process
  • Identify the positives and negatives of using off-site services and whether any of the solutions presented are relevant for their own institution
  • Apply their knowledge of the install process to create a default installation of DNS on Windows® 2003 and create new zone and reverse zone files
  • Make an informed decision as to whether a Split DNS configuration is appropriate to their organisation
  • Disable, enable and restrict dynamic updates on a server
  • Describe the NOTIFY and Incremental Zone transfer process as well as how WINS Linkage works within DNS systems
  • Describe the benefits of using DNS Blackhole lists and if appropriate, assess their usefulness within their own organisation
  • Identify the main security issues within their own DNS configuration and, if appropriate, restrict zone transfers
  • Carry out basic DNS queries using either nslookup, dig or dnscmd

Any Other Info

The course will run between 1000 and 1630. Registration will take place between 0930 and 1000. The timetable during the day will be adjusted to allow discussion of areas of particular interest to the audience. This course includes presentation, discussion, and hands-on use of software simulations created specifically for the course. All delegates will receive a specifically written course workbook. In addition to this, participants also receive a copy of the Janet Technical Guide to DNS on Janet and a copy of the popular O’Reilly book DNS and Windows Server 2003.

Staff Development Officer
University of East Anglia