DNS Query Mediator for Anycast Server Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Troubleshooting DNS service issues is challenging due to the lack of specific identification of DNS servers used by client devices, as they communicate with servers advertising the same IP address, making it difficult for network service providers to determine which server is hosting services, especially in cases of malware infections or service problems.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method where client devices resolve a unique Fully Qualified Domain Name (FQDN) to collect query records, allowing for the determination of client device and DNS service host addresses and locations, and storing this information for analysis, using a DNS Collection/Analytics Service (DCAS) to monitor and map DNS services in real-time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If anycast protocol is used to provide multiple identical DNS servers advertising a common IP address, then service efficiency and resilience are improved, but the ability to identify specific DNS servers for troubleshooting is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mediator component that intercepts DNS queries and responses between client devices and DNS servers. This intermediary captures query records containing source IP addresses and resolves them to identify which specific DNS server handled each query, thereby recovering the lost identification information without changing the anycast protocol itself
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by collecting and analyzing DNS query records that contain source IP address information. This feedback loop enables the system to trace which client devices are querying which DNS servers, providing the necessary identification information for troubleshooting while maintaining anycast operation
2Adaptability or versatility
If DNS servers are distributed across multiple locations using anycast, then service coverage and load distribution are improved, but troubleshooting complexity increases due to inability to identify specific servers
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediary component simplifies troubleshooting complexity by centralizing the collection and analysis of DNS query records. Instead of requiring troubleshooting personnel to manually trace through distributed server locations, the mediator automatically captures and processes identification information, reducing the complexity of diagnosing issues across geographically distributed DNS servers
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple identical DNS servers advertise the same IP address, then client device compatibility is improved, but specific server identification for service problems is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The mediator preserves client device compatibility by allowing DNS servers to continue advertising the same IP address through anycast. Simultaneously, the intermediary captures source IP address information from incoming queries and resolves these addresses to identify the specific DNS server handling each request, thereby detecting and measuring server identification without affecting client compatibility
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, architectures, mechanisms or apparatus for monitoring DNS services by causing one or more client devices to resolve a unique Fully Qualified Domain Name (FQDN) to collect query records useful in determining client device and DNS service host address and location information.