We have already talked what is a DNS server or name server as it is also known. It is a complicated system that translates what we write (the domain name and address of a website that we desire) to IP addresses that computers and servers can understand.
Any DNS can be programmed to be primary (master) or secondary (slave), depends on the needs of the system as a whole. You can even have a primary DNS server that is secondary for another zone.
So what is the difference?
The hierarchy. The primary is the main one, and the secondary gets the DNS records from the primary. There are few different configurations of connecting the secondary that we would show you in a bit, but first, we want to explain to you why you need a secondary DNS.
If it does the same, why do you need it?
Less downtime
It adds extra resilience to the system. It reduces the outages. Even if your primary DNS is down (due to failure, DDoS attacks or just maintenance), the secondary will be still running, and your users won’t be disappointed. The traffic will be managed by your secondary DNS.
Improved performance
You can improve the performance of the system as a whole if you distribute a part of the traffic to your secondary DNS. This will benefit your clients, and it will result in quicker loading times for them.
Backup plan
You can use it as a backup plan and have a copy of all the data there. Be safe, add this extra layer of security to your system.
Different configurations
There are few different ways of connecting another DNS. We will explain you the three most common.
Primary – Secondary
In this configuration, the current DNS serves as a primary DNS. All the updates of records are done to it. Until here, there are no changes.
The primary DNS notifies the secondary for changes, and then the zones are transferred through IXFR or AXFR. The secondary serves as a backup and also reduce the load, part of the traffic goes to the secondary. 
Hidden Primary
In the current configuration, there is a DNS behind the firewall of your company, but you would like to keep it this way. This DNS is the primary, and you want to have it as safe as possible, and unknown for the users. The secondary DNS will be the one that will show your face to the world, receiving all the updates from the primary. This won’t reduce the load but is an excellent safety plan for your valuable information.
Primary – Primary
Here we have something entirely different; the two DNS are primary. The two can answer to queries and this way they can reduce the load and act faster. The user will have the benefit of increasing speed and always having up to date data. The synchronization is made with an API in the middle between the two and keep them both updated.
No matter which configuration you choose, a secondary DNS can definitely profit your current DNS. It can add extra security, better distribution of the traffic and faster results for your users. And most importantly, it is easy to set up. Even if you are using another DNS provider, you can use a secondary DNS from ClouDNS. This way you can enjoy all the benefits and feel more relaxed about your data.
For more information, on what are the benefits of using Secondary DNS service and how to configure Secondary DNS, please visit our website.
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Hi, I’m Martin Pramatarov. I have two degrees, a Technician of Computer Networks and an MBA (Master of Business Administration). My passion is storytelling, but I can’t hide my nerdish side too. I never forgot my interest in the Hi-tech world. I have 10 years and thousands of articles written about DNS, cloud services, hosting, domain names, cryptocurrencies, hardware, software, AI, and everything in between. I have seen the Digital revolution, the Big migration to the cloud, and I am eager to write about all the exciting new tech trends in the following years. AI and Big Data are here already, and they will completely change the world!
I hope you enjoy my articles and the excellent services of ClouDNS!
