Preferred DNS server for domain computers

TheBDB

Diamond Member
Jan 26, 2002
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My domain controller is setup as the primary DNS server on all my client computers. I used to have a second domain controller setup as the alternate, but I recently removed that from my domain. Since then people have complained their "internet feels slow." I was under the impression I need to use my domain controller for DNS so my client computers can access our shared data drive. Is that true? Is there any reason only having 1 DNS server would not be enough for 25 clients? Would adding other alternates help? Thanks.
 

imagoon

Diamond Member
Feb 19, 2003
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You need to point at domain controllers, likely, you need to remove the DNS setting for the removed server. However the better solution is to set up a second DC and have it hand out DNS. This is not for load issues, but all domains should have 2 or more DCs.
 

owensdj

Golden Member
Jul 14, 2000
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All computers(both servers and workstations) must use your own DNS server(s) for Active Directory to work correctly. Your own DNS server(s) can be set to forward Internet DNS requests to your ISP's DNS servers.

I would think 1 DNS server would be enough for just 25 clients. You could try forwarding to OpenDNS servers rather than your ISP's servers. I've found that OpenDNS does a much better job than most Internet providers with their DNS service.

If that doesn't help the Internet issue, make sure you have everything set up correctly. The clients should have your router's IP address for their Default Gateway. They should have the IP address of your server as their DNS server with no other IP addresses. You can check these things by doing an IPCONFIG /ALL. Your server's DNS service should have the ISP DNS or OpenDNS servers in its Forwarders list.
 
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