Configure Azure DNS

Azure DNS is one among them – it is a hosting service for DNS domains, providing name resolution using Microsoft Azure infrastructure. As part of the exam AZ-104 Microsoft Azure Administrator, knowing how to configure Azure DNS is crucial. In this article, we will discuss the steps to configure Azure DNS along with some pertinent examples.

Section 1: Understanding Azure DNS

Before we jump into learning how to configure Azure DNS, it’s essential that we comprehend what it is. Azure DNS offers a secure and reliable hosting for your DNS domain. It provides seamless integration with other services within the Azure ecosystem. Moreover, with Azure DNS, you can also use your custom domains, rather than using the Azure-provided names.

Section 2: Prerequisites for Configuring Azure DNS

Before creating a DNS zone in Azure, you must have:

• An active Azure subscription.
• Understand the principles of DNS.

Section 3: Steps to Configure Azure DNS

Azure DNS configuration involves two significant steps: Creating a DNS zone and creating records in the zone.

Step 1: Creating a DNS Zone

The DNS zone holds all the DNS records for a domain. To create it, follow these steps:

1. Sign in to the Azure portal.
2. In the Azure portal, click on “Create a resource”.
3. In the “Search the Marketplace” box, type “DNS zone” and select it from the dropdown.
4. Click on the “Create” button to create a new DNS zone.
5. In the DNS zone pane, provide the Name, Subscription, Resource group details, and then click “Review + create”, and finally hit the “Create” button.
6. You have now created a DNS zone in Azure.

Step 2: Creating records in the DNS zone

After the DNS zone has been created, its time to create DNS records within it. Here’s how you do it:

1. In the Azure portal, locate the DNS zone you created previously.
2. In the DNS zone pane, click on the “+ Record set” button at the top.
3. In the “Add record set” pane, provide the name, record type (A, AAAA, CNAME, MX, NS, SOA, SRV, TXT, PTR), TTL, and IP address, then click “OK”.
4. You have now created a DNS record in the DNS zone.

Section 4: Verification

After configuring Azure DNS, you might want to verify if everything is set up correctly. The “nslookup” command can be used to verify DNS zones and record sets. This command confirms if the DNS records are resolving to the correct IP addresses.

The syntax is: nslookup <hostname> <server-dns-name>. For example, nslookup www.mydomain.com ns1-01.azure-dns.com.

Note: Please replace ‘mydomain’ with the domain name you’re testing, and ‘ns1-01.azure-dns.com’ with the appropriate server DNS name.

Section 5: Conclusion

In conclusion, configuring Azure DNS might seem like a daunting task, but with a clear understanding of what it entails, it can become relatively straightforward. To master this, you need to have a good grasp on DNS as a concept and hands-on practice in creating and managing DNS zones and record sets. This knowledge will not only assist you in passing the AZ-104 Microsoft Azure Administrator exam but will also prove very valuable in managing organization resources on Azure.

Practice Test

True/False: Azure DNS supports IPv

• True
• False

Answer: True

Explanation: Yes, Azure DNS does indeed provide support for IPv4 addresses.

True/False: Azure DNS doesn’t allow you to host your domain to it.

• True
• False

Answer: False

Explanation: Azure DNS allows you to host your domain. It provides name resolution using Microsoft Azure infrastructure.

Which of the following is a benefit of Azure DNS over other DNS services?

• A. It provides free domain registration
• B. It is integrated with Azure Public DNS network
• C. It allows multiple zone files per subscription

Answer: B. It is integrated with Azure Public DNS network

Explanation: Although Azure DNS allows multiple zone files per subscription, the main advantage it has over other DNS is its integration with Azure public DNS network which provides fast, reliable performance.

What type of records does Azure DNS use to specify the host name for a particular computer?

• A. A Records
• B. CNAME
• C. MX records

Answer: A. A Records

Explanation: A records (Address records) are used to specify the host name for a computer.

True/False: Azure DNS does not support importing and exporting zone files using the Azure portal.

• True
• False

Answer: False

Explanation: Azure DNS does indeed support the import and export of zone files using the Azure portal.

Which type of record will you create on Azure DNS to direct your website’s email to a mail server?

• A. A Record
• B. CNAME Record
• C. MX Record

Answer: C. MX Record

Explanation: MX records are used to direct mail to a mail server.

How many name servers does Azure DNS typically provide when a DNS zone is created?

• A. 2
• B. 4
• C. 6

Answer: B. 4

Explanation: Azure DNS provides four name servers when a DNS zone is created.

True/False: The TTL (time-to-live) setting of Azure DNS can be lowered to reduce the amount of time queries are cached.

• True
• False

Answer: True

Explanation: The TTL setting controls how long queries are cached, so lowering it reduces this time.

Which Azure CLI command is used to create a DNS zone?

• A. az network dns zone create
• B. az network dns zone new
• C. az network dns zone start

Answer: A. az network dns zone create

Explanation: The Azure CLI command for creating a DNS zone is “az network dns zone create”.

True/False: Azure DNS does not support AAAA records for IPv6 addresses.

• True
• False

Answer: False

Explanation: Azure DNS does support AAAA records, which provide IPv6 address support.

Does Azure DNS offer Private Zones?

• A. Yes
• B. No

Answer: A. Yes

Explanation: Azure DNS allows you to create private DNS zones as well as public ones.

What is Azure DNS’s global reach?

• A. Less than 99%
• B. Exactly 99%
• C. More than 99%

Answer: C. More than 99%

Explanation: Azure DNS guarantees a high availability of more than 99%.

What port does DNS primarily use for queries?

• A. Port 35
• B. Port 53
• C. Port 63

Answer: B. Port 53

Explanation: DNS primarily uses Port 53 for queries.

What languages does Azure DNS support for developing applications?

• A. .NET only
• B. .NET, Java, PHP, Node.js, and Python
• C. Java only

Answer: B. .NET, Java, PHP, Node.js, and Python

Explanation: Azure DNS supports a variety of languages for developing applications, including .NET, Java, PHP, Node.js, and Python.

What type of DNS record is used to alias one name to another name?

• A. A Record
• B. CNAME Record
• C. MX Record

Answer: B. CNAME Record

Explanation: A CNAME record is used to alias one name to another.

Interview Questions

What is Azure DNS?

Azure DNS is a hosting service for DNS domains, providing name resolution using the Microsoft Azure infrastructure.

What is the functionality of Azure DNS?

Azure DNS allows you to host your DNS domain in Azure, so you can manage your DNS records using the same credentials, APIs, interfaces, and billing as your other Azure services.

Can you explain the different resource records Azure DNS supports?

Azure DNS supports A, AAAA, CAA, CNAME, MX, NS, PTR, SOA, SRV, and TXT record types.

How do you create a DNS zone in Azure DNS?

You can create a DNS zone in Azure DNS either through Azure portal, PowerShell or Azure CLI.

Can you transfer a DNS domain to Azure DNS?

Yes, you can transfer a DNS domain to Azure DNS though it only supports domain hosting. But you cannot transfer domain registration to Azure DNS.

What’s the role of TTL in Azure DNS?

Time-to-live (TTL) in Azure DNS defines how long a DNS record is cached by the resolving nameservers and browsers.

Does Azure DNS support DNSSEC?

Yes, Azure DNS now also has support for DNSSEC, offering increased security for your domains.

Why would you use Azure Private DNS?

You would use Azure Private DNS to have private and secure name resolution over a VNet.

What systems are compatible with Azure DNS?

Azure DNS is compatible with all clients that can resolve DNS records, including but not limited to Windows, Linux, and Macintosh systems.

What are the steps to configure Azure DNS zone delegation?

First, create a DNS zone for your domain name. After this, register the Azure DNS name servers with the domain registrar. The final step involves creating and configuring DNS records.

Does Azure DNS support domain purchase?

No, Azure DNS does not provide domain registration services, it provides domain hosting.

What command is used in Azure CLI to create a DNS Zone?

The command “az network dns zone create” is used in Azure CLI for creating a DNS Zone.

In which region is DNS data replicated in Azure?

DNS data in Azure is replicated to all Azure DNS name servers across the globe.

Can you mention a use case for alias records?

Alias records are typically used to mask the complexities of services running underneath. For instance, if a web app is hosted behind a public IP, alias records can be used to map a user-friendly domain name here.

How do you delete DNS records?

DNS records can be deleted through the Azure portal, PowerShell, or Azure CLI. With the Azure portal, navigate to the DNS zone, select the record set you wish to delete then click “delete”.