Automated DNS Failover for Disaster Website Redirection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Natural disasters can render websites inaccessible due to damage to DNS server infrastructure, leading to prolonged downtime as manual alterations of DNS records are required for redirection, which is time-consuming and disruptive.

Innovation Solution

An automated system that monitors and redirects DNS inquiries to a new IP address by editing zone file records on a DNS server, minimizing disruption and enabling continuous access to websites during and after a disaster, using a CNAME record to point to an administration DNS server that can dynamically update IP addresses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual alteration of DNS records is used for redirection, then website accessibility can be restored after disaster, but the process is time-consuming and causes prolonged downtime

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewebsite accessibilityVSAvoiddowntime

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent establishes a backup DNS server with pre-configured zone files and redirect rules before a disaster occurs. When the primary DNS server becomes unavailable, the backup server is already prepared to immediately handle DNS queries and redirect traffic to alternate web servers, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual DNS record alterations during the crisis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements automated monitoring and failover mechanisms where the backup DNS server automatically detects when the primary server is down and takes over DNS resolution services without requiring manual intervention. The system self-manages the redirection process by automatically updating DNS records to point to alternate web servers, restoring website accessibility independently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Loss of time

If automated redirection system is implemented, then response time is reduced, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresponse timeVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a monitoring component as an intermediary that continuously checks the availability of the primary DNS server and automatically triggers the failover process to the backup server when needed. This intermediary layer simplifies the automation by handling the detection and switching logic, reducing the complexity burden on the core DNS redirection mechanism while maintaining rapid response capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS7836207B2System and method for redirecting a website upon the occurrence of a disaster or emergency event

Publication Date: 2010.11.16 FAST HEALTH CORP

AI summary

A system and method to deflect DNS inquires to a new IP address for a website prior to or after the occurrence of a natural disaster that damages the computer infrastructure of an organization, thereby interrupting the organization's ability to continue to offer its website information. An automated process is included that alters a zone file on a controlling DNS server in a manner that provides a minimum of disruption to resolver programs attempting to resolve names of deflected computers via Internet DNS. An intelligent monitor program continually, but periodically, surveys the organization's web server to confirm its operations status and intervenes in the DNS resolution structure for that web server in the event that a sustained disruption occurs.