Preferred DNS server for domain computers

[TheBDB]

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]

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]

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.

 

[drebo]

Or you can not use forwards at all and just use root hints.

 

[spidey07]

Or you can not use forwards at all and just use root hints.

That's the preferred way. You can get DNS poisoning if you use forwarders, not recommended.