DNS Monitor, a straightforward tool within IPNetwork Monitor’s suite of monitors, plays a crucial role in internet functionality. DNS, or the Domain Name System, is the internet’s backbone, translating human-friendly domain names, email addresses, and other network resource identifiers into IP addresses. A correctly configured and responsive DNS service is essential for any network.
While tools like `nslookup`, `dig`, and `host` allow for manual DNS checks, automating these queries becomes necessary when managing numerous hosts. Given that many intranets utilize custom DNS zones, DNS service availability is paramount. A lack of proper DNS monitoring can lead to network connectivity issues, potentially causing complete outages. IPNetwork Monitor provides a ready-made solution to proactively address these potential problems.
Setting up IPNetwork’s DNS Monitor is easy. After entering the hostname (DNS server address) and port (which is rarely modified), choose the desired monitoring type. The DNS Monitor can currently verify connectivity and query A and MX records (IP address and mail server name, respectively) for a specified domain name (provided as request data).
The server’s response can be validated by checking for the presence or absence of specific substrings or requiring an exact match (or non-match) with a designated string. Availability and performance settings can be adjusted based on the DNS server’s location.
The DNS Monitor has diverse applications. Its primary function is ensuring the validity of critical records within a specific DNS zone. Because “DNS propagation”—the process of disseminating DNS record changes to all caching name servers—can be time-consuming, the DNS Monitor can track the global update status of a DNS change. It can also monitor MX records, which are vital for proper email operation.
IPNetwork’s DNS Monitor can function as a dependency monitor: if a domain name fails to resolve, further monitoring becomes unnecessary. Furthermore, it can be integrated into more complex monitoring schemes, verifying the availability of essential network protocols like DHCP,
SSH, and others.
Description of other features:
| Monitoring Features |
Here you can find the list of monitor types supported in IPNetwork Monitor and brief description of their parameters. |
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| Application Templates |
Here you can find the list of application templates supported in IPNetwork Monitor and their short description. |
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| Network Discovery |
Helps you to create a basis of your monitoring configuration and automates the task of detection network hosts and network services. |
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| Alerting Features |
Here you can find the list of alert types (ways of reaction to the problems happened during monitoring) available in IPNetwork Monitor, and their brief description. |
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| Reporting Features |
Here you can find the list of report types available in IPNetwork Monitor with brief descriptions. |
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| IPNetwork Monitor interfaces
and structure |
Here you can find an overview of IPNetwork Monitor components, Windows and web interfaces. |
