Comprehensive Guide for Installing and Configuring DNS on Windows Server

Step 1: Assign a Static IP Address

Begin by assigning a static IP address to your server. This process ensures that your server maintains a fixed address, simplifying DNS management and connectivity.

1. Access the Start menu and search for “View network connections.”
2. Right-click on the active network interface and select Properties.
3. Choose Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click on Properties.
4. Select “Use the following IP address, ” input your desired IP address, verify the Subnet Mask (this will automatically populate), and enter the Default Gateway (typically your router’s IP).
5. Designate a DNS server address and confirm by clicking OK.
6. Reboot your computer to apply the changes.

Pro Tip: Always ensure your default gateway is correctly set to facilitate external network communications.

Step 2: Install the DNS Role from Roles and Features

Next, you will install the DNS role, enabling the server to manage and respond to DNS queries.

1. Open Server Manager.
2. Select Manage > Add Roles and Features, then click Next.
3. Choose “Role-based or feature-based installation” and proceed.
4. In the Roles tab, check “DNS Server” and click Next.
5. Skip the Features section by clicking Next.
6. In the Confirmation tab, ensure “Restart the destination server automatically if required” is checked, and click Install.

Pro Tip: After installation, confirm the DNS service is running correctly by pinging your server’s hostname from Command Prompt.

Step 3: Add a New DNS Entry

With the DNS role installed, it’s time to add DNS entries for your domain.

1. Launch Server Manager and navigate to Tools > DNS.
2. Locate your server name, expand it, and select the Forward-lookup zone where your domain is listed.
3. Right-click in an empty area and select “New Host (A or AAAA).”
4. Input the desired Hostname and assign the corresponding IP address.
5. Check “Create associated pointer (PTR) record” if required.
6. Click “Add Host, ” then confirm with OK.

Pro Tip: Flush the DNS cache using ipconfig /flushdns to ensure the new entry is recognized immediately.

Step 4: Limit IP Addresses

Finally, limit which IP addresses can access and process DNS requests to enhance security.

1. In Server Manager, navigate to Tools > DNS.
2. Select your server from the list, right-click, and choose Properties.
3. Under the Interfaces tab, select “Only the following IP addresses” and choose the appropriate IP addresses.
4. Click Apply, then OK to finalize your settings.

Pro Tip: Restricting IP addresses helps prevent unauthorized access, improving the security of your DNS server.

What is the difference between A and AAAA records?

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