Single Forest DC DNS Configuration?

[modesto]

I seem to have recieved mixed messages about the proper config for
Domain Controllers' dns in a single forest / single domain scenario.
Should each DC point to itself for the primary dns? what about the
secondary? should each DC's secondary dns server be the other DC?

My company spun off a small division into a smaller company and they
have a single forest / single domain with only two DCs. I have to
change the IP of one of the DCs and i'm just conerned that the DCs srv
records get updated properly on the OTHER DC so AD replication
continues to work. thanks...

 

[Alan Wood [MSFT]]

Hi Mike,
In the scenerio you discuss, only DC's single forest single Domain. My
suggestion is you have the DNS IP Settings with the Primary DNS server
being the opposite each other. And alternate DNS Server as itself. This
will also elleviate some boot up error message you recieve in Netlogon for
DNS open reboots. This ensures the SRV records are registered on the other
DNS server for replictation to work after a IPaddress change.

If you expand this a bit, and say you have numerous DC's, lets just take 5
for example. The recommended configuration would be, have 2 servers setup
just like above mentioned, then have the DC's all configured to only use
these 2 DNS servers. This prevents what is Called the Islanding effect.

275278 DNS Server Becomes an Island When a Domain Controller Points to
Itself
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=275278


Hope this Helps!


Alan Wood[MSFT]

This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no rights.