DNS Server

DNS (Domain Name System) is a naming system that facilitates the exchange of data between computers over the Internet and other networks. Its main function is to translate user-friendly domain names (e.g. www.synology.com) into corresponding fixed, public IP addresses (e.g. 120.89.71.100). This function allows users to easily find web pages, computers, or other devices over the Internet or local network.

DNS Server allows your DiskStation to become a domain name server, host multiple zones, as well as provide name and IP address resolution services.

Before You Start

Please see the following notes before using DNS Server:

• Obtain a fixed, public IP address: To run DNS Server, you need to acquire a fixed IP address for your DiskStation.
• Register a domain name: Setting up authoritative server functions requires registering your domain name with a domain name provider. For example, if you want to use a domain called example.com, you need to register the domain example with the domain provider of .com domain names.
• Check firewall or port forwarding settings: DNS services require the use of TCP and UDP port 53. If your DiskStation uses a firewall, this port must be opened. If the DiskStation connects to the Internet through a router, set up port forwarding rules and open TCP and UDP port 53.
• Register your device: After you set up DNS Server, remember to register the IP address and other required information of your DiskStation with the provider of your domain name. Otherwise, clients will be unable to query your DiskStation over the Internet. Consult your domain name provider for more information.

Table of Contents

Zones

Manage your domains and resource records, including Host (A), Alias (CNAME), and Mail Exchange (MX) records, and map domain names to the IP addresses of your computers or devices.

Resolution

Allow clients to query domains for which your DiskStation is not authoritative by enabling recursive resolution, limiting service hosts, and designating forwarders.

Log

View and manage information related to past DNS activity.

Keys

Limit access to zone files by creating and managing TSIG (Transfer Signature) keys.

Views

Provide services for different groups by creating multiple views.

Settings

Edit DNS settings according to your individual environment.

Back up and Restore

You can back up DNS Server and restore it to a previous version via Hyper Backup.

To back up DNS Server:

1. Go to Hyper Backup > Create > Data backup task to create a backup task.
2. Follow the Backup Wizard instructions, and choose DNS Server when you are prompted to select applications to back up.
3. After the backup task is complete, the data of DNS Server (zones, resolution, log, keys, views, and settings) will be backed up.

To restore DNS Server:

1. Go to Hyper Backup > Restore > Data to restore the desired backup task.
2. After the restore task is complete, the current data of DNS Server (zones, resolution, log, keys, views, and settings) will be overwritten.