Automated DNS Zone File Redirection for Disaster Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current DNS systems face significant delays in redirecting website access during natural disasters, as manual alteration of DNS records is required, leading to potential website unavailability for several days or months, especially for self-administered sites without backup infrastructure or personnel.
Innovation Solution
An automated method for altering DNS zone file records to deflect inquiries to an alternate IP address, minimizing disruption to resolver programs, using an administration DNS server that monitors and controls zone files to initiate a CNAME record change, allowing for real-time deflection of website inquiries to a disaster response site.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual alteration of DNS records is used, then DNS systems can redirect website access during natural disasters, but significant delays occur and websites remain unavailable for several days or months
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-configures alternate DNS records and backup infrastructure before disasters occur. When a disaster strikes, the system automatically activates pre-prepared redirect mechanisms, eliminating the need for manual record alteration during critical situations. This preliminary preparation ensures immediate redirection capability while maintaining system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements automated monitoring and self-triggered redirection mechanisms that detect disasters and initiate DNS record changes without human intervention. The self-service architecture includes automatic health checks, disaster detection algorithms, and automated zone file updates, eliminating the time-consuming manual process while ensuring reliable website availability through rapid response.
2Productivity
If automated DNS alteration methods are implemented, then redirect speed improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary automated DNS management system that sits between the disaster detection mechanism and the DNS zone files. This intermediary layer handles the complexity of automated record alteration, providing a controlled interface that manages DNS updates safely. The intermediary includes validation logic, change management protocols, and coordinated update mechanisms that reduce overall system complexity while enabling fast automated redirection.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated DNS system is divided into separate functional modules: disaster detection components, decision-making logic, record alteration engines, and propagation management systems. This segmentation allows each component to be independently optimized and managed, reducing overall system complexity while achieving high redirect speeds through specialized automated functions.
3Loss of time
If CNAME record changes are initiated by administration DNS servers, then real-time deflection to backup sites is achieved, but the complexity of managing zone files increases
Solution Approach 1:
The administration DNS server implements feedback mechanisms that monitor the status of primary and backup DNS infrastructures. When changes are initiated, the system receives feedback on propagation status, record validation, and successful redirection. This feedback loop enables automated adjustment of zone file management processes, reducing complexity through intelligent automation while achieving real-time deflection capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The administration DNS server is designed with multi-functionality, handling both primary DNS resolution and automated zone file management for disaster redirection. By consolidating these functions into a universal system, the patent reduces the need for separate specialized management tools, simplifying zone file management while enabling real-time CNAME record changes for immediate backup site deflection.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and method to deflect DNS inquires (30) 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 (50) is included that alters a zone file (71,80) 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 (10). An intelligent monitor program (34) 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 (90).