DNS Server Data Discovery via EDNS Resource Records
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Solution Overview
Problem
The Domain Name System (DNS) protocol is not configured to locate specified data within a domain, limiting its ability to retrieve data values, programs, services, and resources that are not assigned an IP address.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an Extended DNS (EDNS) protocol mechanism that allows a DNS request to include a resource record with an option code field specifying a data resource record and an option data field corresponding to the requested data, enabling the DNS server to resolve the IP address and server address of a resource server containing the data, while being backwards compatible with legacy systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the DNS protocol is used to locate data within a domain, then the functionality of the DNS system is improved, but the protocol complexity increases due to the need for resource records and EDNS extensions
Solution Approach 1:
The DNS query and response structures are segmented to include optional resource record sections. The EDNS mechanism divides the traditional DNS protocol into base functionality (IP address resolution) and extended functionality (data location resolution), allowing clients and servers to selectively process only the portions they need while maintaining compatibility with legacy systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The DNS protocol is extended to perform multiple functions: traditional IP address resolution and new data location resolution. The resource record mechanism provides a universal framework that can accommodate different types of data (values, programs, services, resources) without requiring separate protocols, making the DNS system multi-functional while maintaining a single unified protocol structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If resource records are added to DNS requests to specify data, then data location capability is improved, but backwards compatibility is worsened as legacy systems cannot process the extended format
Solution Approach 1:
The DNS implementation is made dynamic through optional processing. DNS servers and clients can dynamically adapt their behavior based on their capabilities - legacy systems process only the traditional IP address resolution portions of queries, while EDNS-capable systems can process the extended resource record sections. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain compatibility with older systems while providing enhanced functionality to newer systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The resource record structure acts as an intermediary layer between the traditional DNS protocol and the new data location functionality. It provides a standardized format that can carry both traditional IP address information and new data location information, serving as a mediator that allows legacy systems to ignore the extended portions while enabling EDNS-capable systems to utilize the full functionality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the DNS system is extended to locate any data not assigned an IP address, then the scope of data retrieval is improved, but the device complexity of the DNS server increases
Solution Approach 1:
The DNS server is transformed into a multi-functional system that can handle both traditional domain name to IP address resolution and the new data location resolution. By using the universal resource record framework, the server can process various types of data requests (values, programs, services, resources) through a single unified mechanism, avoiding the need for separate specialized systems for each data type.
Solution Approach 2:
The DNS server functionality is segmented into optional modules. The core DNS resolution functionality remains unchanged and handles all queries, while the data location functionality is implemented as an optional extension that processes resource records. This segmentation allows the server to maintain its basic functions while adding enhanced capabilities without requiring complete redesign of the entire system.
Data Source
AI summary
A method used by a domain name system (DNS) server is disclosed. The DNS server receives a DNS request containing a host name and a resource record specifying data. The DNS server resolves an internet protocol (IP) address based on the host name. The DNS server resolves a server address of a resource server containing the data specified in the resource record. The DNS server transmits a DNS response including the IP address and the server address.