Child nameserver and it’s features

February 2, 2024

Child nameserver, also known as a subdomain nameserver, is a domain name server that is part of a larger domain’s DNS (Domain Name System) hierarchy. It is responsible for handling DNS resolution and hosting DNS records for a specific subdomain of the main domain. Here are some features and considerations related to child nameservers:

Child Name Servers are private labelled name servers which are registered with domain registry under your own domain name. Child Name Servers needs to be registered with registry and also it’s A record needs to be pointed to IP address of DNS Server before they can be used as name servers with other domain names.

Key features of Child nameserver:

  1. DNS Hierarchy: The DNS system is organized in a hierarchical structure. The top-level domain (TLD) nameservers handle the root domains (like .com, .net, etc.), and beneath them are authoritative nameservers for each domain. It is a part of this hierarchy, responsible for a specific subdomain.
  2. Subdomain Delegation: Child nameservers are used when a subdomain needs to be delegated to a separate set of DNS servers. This delegation allows different entities to manage the DNS records for distinct parts of a domain.
  3. Separate DNS Administration: It enable different individuals, organizations, or departments to have control over the DNS records for their specific subdomains. This delegation of authority helps in distributed management of DNS and simplifies administration.
  4. Autonomy for Subdomains: Each child nameserver operates autonomously for its assigned subdomain. It can have its own DNS records, such as A (Address), MX (Mail Exchange), CNAME (Canonical Name), and other records, independent of the main domain and other subdomains.
  5. Load Distribution: In cases where a subdomain receives a significant amount of traffic or has specific DNS requirements, having dedicated child nameservers allows for load distribution and the efficient management of resources.
  6. Flexibility in DNS Configuration: CName provide flexibility in configuring DNS settings for specific subdomains. This can be useful for organizations with diverse services or applications that require tailored DNS configurations.
  7. Enhanced Security: By isolating DNS management for different subdomains, child nameservers contribute to enhanced security. Compromising one set of nameservers for a subdomain doesn’t necessarily affect other parts of the domain.
  8. Propagation Control: Changes made to DNS records for a subdomain, such as adding new hosts or modifying existing records, can be implemented independently by the administrators. This allows for better control over DNS propagation.
  9. Specific Service Hosting: It can be set up to host DNS records specifically for certain services, applications, or geographical locations, tailoring the DNS resolution to the needs of the subdomain.

Setting Up CName:

  1. Access Domain Registrar Account:
    • Log in to the account with the domain registrar where the main domain is registered.
  2. Navigate to DNS Management or Nameserver Settings:
    • Locate the DNS management or nameserver settings section within the registrar’s control panel.
  3. Add Child Nameservers:
    • Add entries for the child nameservers along with their associated IP addresses. This information is typically provided by the hosting provider or the entity responsible for managing DNS for the delegated subdomain.
  4. Configure CName:
    • Set up the DNS configurations for the delegated subdomain on the child nameservers. This includes specifying A records, CNAME records, MX records, and other DNS settings specific to the subdomain.
  5. Update Parent Domain’s Nameserver Records:
    • In the DNS management section for the main domain, update the nameserver records to point to the newly configured child nameservers.
  6. Propagation Time:
    • Keep in mind that DNS changes may take some time to propagate across the internet. During this propagation period, DNS queries for the delegated subdomain will be directed to the child nameservers.

Conclusion:

Having journeyed through the detailed steps of creating child name servers, you’re now equipped with the knowledge to take your domain management to the next level. Remember, setting up child name servers not only offers greater control over DNS queries but also contributes to the overall stability and efficiency of your online presence. We encourage you to apply these insights and techniques to enhance your website’s performance, and we’re excited to see how this newfound skill empowers your digital endeavors.

When setting up child nameservers, the domain’s authoritative nameservers need to be updated to delegate authority for the specific subdomain to the child nameservers. This delegation is typically done through the domain registrar’s control panel.

It’s important to note that while child nameservers provide flexibility and delegation, they also come with the responsibility of proper administration. Each set of child nameservers needs to be maintained and configured by its administrators to ensure the correct functioning of DNS resolution for the associated subdomain.