Overview

This course features Coursera Coach! A smarter way to learn with interactive, real-time conversations that help you test your knowledge, challenge assumptions, and deepen your understanding as you progress through the course. In this comprehensive DNS course, you'll master essential utilities like nslookup, dig, and dnswalk to troubleshoot and maintain DNS systems. You'll also gain a solid understanding of various DNS records, including A, AAAA, CNAME, PTR, and SRV, and how each type contributes to network infrastructure. The course covers configuring email services with MX and SPF records, along with domain management, purchasing, transferring, and securing DNS zones using DNSSEC. The course goes further into the installation and configuration of DNS servers such as Microsoft DNS, BIND, and Unbound. You'll also learn how to configure DNS server replication for improved fault tolerance and system efficiency, ensuring a resilient and optimized DNS infrastructure. By the end of this course, you'll have the practical skills to confidently configure and troubleshoot DNS systems. Whether you're an IT professional, system administrator, or network engineer, you'll be well-equipped to manage and secure DNS services with expertise and precision.

Syllabus

DNS Utilities

In this module, we will explore essential DNS utilities such as nslookup, dig, dnswalk, and dnsrecon. We will provide an in-depth look at how these tools can be used for querying DNS servers, debugging zones, and ensuring the health of your DNS infrastructure. You'll gain the skills to leverage these utilities for efficient DNS management.

Configuring Host Records

In this module, we will examine various DNS host records, such as A, AAAA, CNAME, and PTR, and their roles in mapping hostnames to IP addresses. We will also delve into SRV records, exploring their use in locating services within a network. Through practical demonstrations, you’ll learn how to configure and manage these critical records.

Configuring Email Services

In this module, we will focus on email-related DNS configurations, beginning with Mail Exchanger (MX) records and their critical role in routing emails. We’ll also cover SPF records, outlining how to set them up to ensure secure and authenticated email sending practices. Practical examples will guide you through the process of email configuration.

Public Domains

In this module, we will cover the essentials of managing public domains, from purchasing a domain to configuring essential records and switching name servers. You’ll also learn how to securely transfer a domain between registrars, ensuring that best practices and protocols are followed.

Configuring Zones

In this module, we will dive into securing DNS zones using DNSSEC on an NSD server. You’ll learn how to generate DNSSEC keys and configure DNSSEC records to ensure your DNS zones are protected against attacks. This section will guide you through every step of securing your DNS infrastructure.

Zone Replication

In this module, we will focus on the installation and configuration of NSD, a DNS server widely used in technologies like DNSSEC. You’ll learn how to configure DNS zones, set up record types, and ensure reliable zone replication between primary and secondary servers for improved redundancy.

Microsoft DNS Server

In this module, we will guide you through setting up a Microsoft DNS server, configuring DNS zones and records, and establishing zone replication for fault tolerance. You’ll gain hands-on experience in managing DNS in a Windows Server environment, ensuring scalability and availability.

BIND DNS Server

In this module, we will explore how to install and configure the BIND DNS server. Through practical exercises, you'll learn how to create DNS zones, including both forward and reverse lookup zones, and set up zone replication to ensure synchronization between master and slave DNS servers.

Unbound DNS Server

In this module, we will introduce you to the Unbound DNS server, a faster alternative to other DNS servers. You’ll learn how to install Unbound, configure it to optimize DNS performance, and integrate it with BIND and NSD for a comprehensive DNS solution. Additionally, we’ll show you how to use Unbound to block ads and enhance user experience.