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        How Global Name Zones Work In Windows Server 2008?

Section(s): Admin, Network
Published on Jan 14, 2009.
Last Modified on Oct 13, 2008.
Last Modified by Nirmal Sharma.
Rated 2 out of 5 based on 3 votes.

This article shows the steps included when resolving a name in DNS Server running on Windows Server 2008.

Microsoft has changed the functionaility of DNS Server that ships with Windows Server 2008. DNS Server running on a Windows Server 2008 offers many new functionality. One of them is Global Name Zone or GNZ.

GNZ gives a chance to organizationz to move to a DNS-only environment by eliminating the need to have a WINS Server on the network.

How does it work?

1. A user requests a resource by NETBIOS Name by adding the Domain Suffix and then send the request to the DNS Server.
2. If DNS Server hosts the GNZ, then the DNS Server will look in the GNZ first for the name and return the response to client as expected.
3. If name is not found in the GNZ, then the authoritative zone for the name is checked.

Note:

Unlike WINS the DNS Client must send a normal query (FQDN). If a DNS Client sends a query without the Domain Suffix, the DNS Server will not look into the GNZ for resolution. It will simply discard the request with negative response.

About Nirmal Sharma

Nirmal is a Microsoft MVP in Directory Services and working as a Technical Architect/Consultant. He has been involved in Microsoft Technologies since 1994 and followed the progression of Microsoft Operating Systems and software. He is specialized in Directory Services, Microsoft Clustering, SQL, MOM, Exchange and Citrix. In his spare time, he likes to help others and write "internal" technical articles, white papers and tips on various Microsoft technologies. You can contact him at nirmal_sharma@mvps.org.