Navigating the internet is something we often take for granted. We input an address into the browser and think nothing of how or what it takes for our device to find that website’s location online. Behind every website you see, there’s actually a complex system whose primary duty is to ensure that only the right pages are loaded quickly and securely. The DNS, or Domain Name System, is the name of that system.
Almost every business owner in Australia and beyond relies on the Internet for everything. These days, businesses rely on the Internet for everything, from keeping operations running smoothly to engaging with customers.
So when something goes wrong with your website’s connection or speed, DNS is often the first place to check. It’s a fundamental part of how the internet functions because its primary duty is to enable users to gain access to the website. It does this by converting easy-to-remember domain names into IP addresses.
For business owners, IT managers, and digital professionals, understanding how DNS works and using command-line tools for domain research and network troubleshooting can significantly improve website performance and security. If you’re looking to enhance your online presence, working with a digital marketing agency can help streamline this process and ensure you’re always ahead of potential network issues.
In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into DNS, explain its importance, introduce essential command-line tools, and show how they can be used to troubleshoot issues and strengthen your digital infrastructure.
The Role of DNS in Internet Navigation
The Domain Name System (DNS) is essentially the phonebook of the Internet. Instead of remembering a string of numbers (which is what computers use to talk to each other), you just type something simple like example.com, and DNS finds the right IP address behind the scenes.
When you type a website address into your browser, your computer sends a request to a DNS server and asks it to find the IP address associated with that domain. That server replies with the right IP address and the site loads. It happens in milliseconds, and most people never even realise it’s happening. But when DNS is misconfigured or slow, it can bring your entire site (and business) to a halt.
For businesses with an online presence, DNS plays a vital role in ensuring that their website and services are easily accessible. A well-configured DNS setup guarantees that customers and employees can quickly connect to your website without disruptions.
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How DNS Issues Can Affect Website Accessibility and Performance
DNS, like any other system, is not immune to problematic issues. Here are the most common issues that pop up:
- A bad DNS setup can make your website unreachable.
- Delays in DNS resolution can slow down page loading times.
- Incorrect records can mess with your email, hosting, or app integrations.
- Worst of all, poor DNS hygiene can create security risks.
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DNS maintenance is typically not a top priority for business owners. Most people fail to realise that regular monitoring and troubleshooting can help prevent major disruptions that could lead to lost revenue.
Misconfigurations can lead to lost sales, damaged reputations, and frustrated customers. This is why DNS and network troubleshooting tools are essential for maintaining a smooth and secure online presence.
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Common DNS and Network Tools & What They Do
The following are the most important command-line tools for troubleshooting network and DNS issues:
dig
Google’s Dig tool is a browser-based utility that lets you look up DNS records for any domain. It’s useful for quickly checking DNS configurations without needing to use the command line. You can view A records (which show the IP address of a domain), MX records (for email routing), TXT records (often used for domain verification), and more.
To use it, simply enter your domain name into the tool, select the type of DNS record you want to query (e.g. A, MX, TXT), and hit “Dig.” The results will show the relevant DNS data and help confirm whether your DNS settings are correct.
Ping
The ping tool is used to test the connectivity between your computer and a remote server or device. It checks if a server is reachable and tells you how long it takes to get a response. If your site isn’t responding, this is one of the first commands to try. It helps you figure out if the issue is on your end or the server’s.
To ping a website, use the following command:
- ping (yourwebsite).com
This will give you an idea of whether the website is accessible and how long it takes to establish a connection.
Whois
The whois tool is essential for gathering information about domain ownership. It also gives you all that metadata. It’s great for security checks, competitive research, or even just checking if your domain is about to expire.
To use it, just enter a domain name into the search bar on the Whois website. The results will show key registration information such as the domain’s status, creation and expiry dates, and contact or technical details (where available).
SecurityTrails
SecurityTrails is a comprehensive platform that provides in-depth data on domains, IP addresses, and DNS records. This is one tool you can’t afford to skimp on if you want to identify DNS misconfigurations, spot potential security threats, and even conduct competitor analysis.
SecurityTrails works by integrating with your network management routine to give you insight into domain history, subdomains, and other crucial details.
For instance, SecurityTrails offers APIs to retrieve historical DNS data and related assets. For devs and security teams, the API options are gold. You can automate domain monitoring and get alerts when something changes.
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How These Tools Help in Cybersecurity and Troubleshooting
DNS and network troubleshooting tools are essential for cybersecurity and general network maintenance. Here’s how these tools can help in these fields:
- Identify suspicious traffic: By examining DNS queries, you can spot unusual or malicious activity, such as traffic from unrecognised IP addresses or domains associated with cyberattacks.
- Resolve DNS misconfigurations: Tools like dig and nslookup can identify incorrect DNS records, helping you fix issues before they impact your website’s availability.
- Check propagation: When you update DNS records (for example, after switching web hosting), these tools allow you to check the status of the DNS propagation across different servers globally.
- Investigate security breaches: WHOIS and SecurityTrails are useful for investigating domain hijacking or tracking the origin of phishing attacks.
Why This Matters for Your Business
As a business owner or web admin, keeping your digital infrastructure secure is critical to your success. A small misconfiguration in DNS can cause major issues for your website’s availability and security, leading to potential loss of revenue or customers.
By regularly using tools like dig, ping, whois, and SecurityTrails, you can monitor your domain’s health, ensure quick issue resolution, and prevent costly downtime.
At Netplanet Digital, we understand the importance of maintaining a robust online presence. If you’re facing issues with your DNS configuration or need help with professional website development, our experts can guide you through it.
For any assistance with DNS setup, domain management, or cybersecurity consultation, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help businesses navigate the complex world of domain management and ensure your digital presence remains strong, secure, and always accessible.
Reach out to Netplanet Digital today for a consultation or to learn more about our custom web design services.
