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DNS Server - Configuring Your Own vs Using Third-Party

November 09, 2021

DNS Server - Configuring Your Own vs Using Third-Party

DNS servers play a critical role in connecting users to resources on the internet. They serve as the first point of contact when a user tries to access a web page or any other online service. When a URL is entered in a browser, DNS servers translate it into an IP address that the computer can understand.

While many internet users rely on third-party DNS services, there are benefits to setting up and running your DNS server. This article discusses the pros and cons of configuring your DNS server versus using a third-party provider.

Configuring Your Own DNS Server

Configuration of your DNS server involves setting up the server hardware, software configuration, and networking. Running your DNS server means you have complete control over the domain names, and users can access them. You can also:

  • Customize the responses based on user location, load on the server, and other customized configurations.
  • Control the security of the server, ensuring maximum cybersecurity, preventing security breaches, and other vulnerabilities.
  • Monitor server performance and control server resources. You can also control server outages, ensuring that your domain name is accessible at all times.

Setting up your DNS server is ideal for:

  • Large organizations that require complete control and customization of their domain names.
  • Businesses that operate in countries with strict data protection laws or censorship.

While it's advantageous to set up your DNS server, there are challenges you may encounter. Setting up a DNS server requires a lot of technical knowledge, accounting experience, and maintenance. It's also costly since you require dedicated hardware and hosting.

Using Third-Party DNS Provider

Using third-party DNS providers means relying on DNS services provided by third-party companies to translate domain names into IP addresses. Some popular third-party DNS providers include Cloudflare, Google DNS, OpenDNS, and Quad9.

Using a third-party DNS provider offers several benefits, which include:

  • Faster domain name resolution: Third-party DNS providers have large infrastructural networks that lead to faster-speeded domain name resolution.
  • Global accessibility: Accessing your domain name that is hosted with a third-party DNS provider is possible globally. It is achieved since the provider has servers across the world, making it easier to access your domain name.
  • Cost savings: Using third-party DNS providers is also cost-effective; because you don't have to spend much on maintenance and hosting since that is the responsibility of the provider.

However, third-party DNS providers come with downsides as well. Since DNS services are run by third-party companies, you cannot have complete control over the domain and sub-domains. It can also lead to cybersecurity risks since the provider could be a target for cybersecurity attacks.

Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing whether to configure your DNS server or use a third-party provider depends on your business needs. If you require complete control over your domain name, customized servers for specific clients or regions, and optimized cybersecurity, setting up your DNS server is the best option for you. However, it comes with added costs, maintenance, and technical knowledge.

Suppose the security of your domain name is not a significant concern, and speed, global accessibility, and cost-saving are. In that case, using third-party DNS providers is advised.

References

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