What is Secondary DNS?
Secondary DNS provides redundancy and reliability for your domain name system infrastructure.
A secondary DNS server holds read-only copies of your DNS zone files, obtained through zone transfers (AXFR) from your primary DNS server. When your primary DNS server becomes unavailable, secondary DNS servers continue to answer queries, ensuring your domain remains accessible.
Secondary DNS is essential for any production infrastructure. It provides automatic failover, load distribution, and protects against single points of failure in your DNS infrastructure.
DNS Redundancy
Multiple DNS servers ensure your domain is always resolvable, even if your primary server goes down.
Better Performance
Distribute DNS queries across multiple servers to reduce latency for users worldwide.
RFC Compliance
Our service is fully compliant with DNS standards including RFC 1034, RFC 1035, and AXFR protocol.
Why Choose Our Secondary DNS?
Enterprise-grade DNS redundancy with affordable plans for every need.
Free 3-Month Trial
Start with a free trial — 1 zone, no credit card required. After the trial, choose an affordable plan with generous zone limits.
Automatic Zone Sync
Your DNS zones are automatically synchronized via AXFR protocol. Changes on your primary DNS propagate within minutes.
99.9% Uptime SLA
Our infrastructure is built for reliability. Multiple redundant nodes ensure your DNS is always available.
Easy Setup
Get started in minutes. Just add your zone and configure your primary DNS to allow zone transfers to our servers.
Real-time Monitoring
Monitor your zone sync status, serial numbers, and record counts from your dashboard in real time.
REST API Access
Automate your DNS management with our REST API. Perfect for DevOps workflows and CI/CD pipelines.
How It Works
Set up secondary DNS in three simple steps.
Create Account
Register for a free account and start your 3-month trial. Get instant access to the dashboard.
Add Your Zone
Enter your domain name and the IP address of your primary DNS server. We'll handle the rest.
Configure Primary DNS
Allow AXFR zone transfer requests from our secondary server IP on your primary DNS. Your zone will sync automatically.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about our secondary DNS service.
How does it work?
1. You create an account and add your domain with the IP of your primary DNS server. 2. Our secondary server requests a full zone transfer (AXFR) from your primary DNS. 3. After the initial sync, our server stays up to date via NOTIFY messages and periodic SOA checks. 4. If your primary DNS goes down, our secondary server continues answering queries for your domain — your visitors won't notice a thing.
What is the difference between primary and secondary DNS?
A primary DNS server holds the authoritative, editable copy of your DNS zone. A secondary DNS server holds a read-only copy obtained through zone transfers (AXFR). Both servers answer DNS queries with equal authority.
How do I configure my primary DNS to allow zone transfers?
You need to add our server IP to the 'allow-transfer' list in your primary DNS configuration. For BIND, add 'allow-transfer { <our-ip>; };' to your zone declaration. For PowerDNS, add 'also-notify' and 'allow-axfr-ips' settings.
How long does it take for zones to sync?
Initial zone transfer typically completes within 1-2 minutes. Subsequent updates are triggered by DNS NOTIFY messages from your primary server and usually propagate within seconds to minutes.
Is there a limit on the number of zones?
Free accounts can add up to 10 zones. If you need more zones for your organization, please contact us.
What DNS record types do you support?
We support all standard DNS record types including A, AAAA, CNAME, MX, TXT, NS, SOA, SRV, PTR, CAA, and more. Any record type supported by AXFR zone transfers will work.
What is AXFR and how does it work?
AXFR (Authoritative Zone Transfer) is a DNS protocol mechanism used to replicate DNS databases from a primary to secondary DNS server. When you configure your zone, our server requests a full zone transfer from your primary DNS and then keeps it updated via incremental transfers (IXFR) or NOTIFY messages.
Can I brand your nameservers with my own domain?
Yes. With the Personalized NS add-on you can point your own hostname (e.g. ns2.yourdomain.com) to our secondary server. Add a glue record at your registrar, configure the hostname in your dashboard, and your zones will be served under your own nameserver name.
Read the full guide →