Root server deployments
While a root nameserver is any Domain Name System (DNS) server that answers requests for the DNS root zone, redirecting requests for each Top Level Domain (TLD) to its respective nameservers, the term 'root nameserver' or 'rootserver' typically refers to the 13 root nameservers that implement the root namespace domain for the Internet's official global implementation of the DNS.
The TLD is what occurs after the final 'dot' of a domain name (for example, com, org, net), and the root servers are responsible for directing each domain name lookup request to its respective nameserver.
The 13 root nameservers each have an identifying letter, from A-M. However, while only 13 names are used for the root namesevers, there are many more physical servers. Some exist in only one instance while others, such as C, F, I, J, K, L, and M servers all exist in multiple locations on different continents. These duplicates use anycast address announcements to provide a completely decentralized service.
Having multiple servers distributed around the world provides high performance DNS lookup independent of the user's location as the request does not have to be dealt with by a single remote instance of the nameserver.
APNIC's root server project
- In November 2002, APNIC announced a project to assist the community to establish several new rootserver sites into the Asia Pacific region.
- APNIC assists in the deployment of these rootservers providing techncial support. Many of the sites are either fully, or at least partially, funded by APNIC. The rootserver deployments are then maintained by the operator, as 'anycast' mirror copies of existing rootservers.
APNIC to provide redundancy for DNSThe Internet Software Consortium and the Asia Pacific Network Information Centre have agreed to pursue the operation of new root servers in the APNIC region, using mirror copies of existing F-root operated by ISC. The aim is to strengthen the Domain Name System (DNS) by deploying additional resources to handle growing Internet traffic and disperse malicious traffic directed at root servers. The new servers will be located such that they reach the largest possible user base, including diverse IP transit providers, and carrier-neutral Internet exchanges. |
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As this project develops, we have the prospect of providing root services throughout the region, with substantially improved reachability and response times. That will be of noticeable benefit to Asia Pacific ISPs and end-users alike.
Timeline of root server deployment
| May 2009 | I-Root nameserver installed in Taipei, Taiwan |
| July 2008 | I-Root nameserver installed in Colombo, Sri Lanka |
| May 2007 | F-Root nameserver installed in Suva, Fiji |
| May 2007 | I-Root nameserver installed in Manila, Philippines |
| December 2005 | F-Root nameservers installed in Karachi, Pakistan and Dhaka, Bangladesh |
| August 2005 | Three root nameservers installed in India:
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| June 2005 | K-Root installed in Brisbane, Australia |
| April 2005 | K-Root installed in Tokyo, Japan |
| March 2005 | I-Root installed in Jakarta, Indonesia |
| October 2004 | F-Root installed in Osaka, Japan |
| September 2004 | I-Root installed in Bangkok, Thailand |
| August 2004 | I-Root installed in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia |
| July 2004 | M-Root installed in Seoul, Korea |
| July 2004 | F-Root installed in Jakarta, Indonesia |
| February 2004 | F-Root installed in Brisbane, Australia |
| December 2003 | F-Root installed in Singapore |
| December 2003 | F-Root, installed in Taipei, Taiwan |
| November 2003 | F-Root installed in Hong Kong |
| October 2003 | F-Root installed in Beijing, People's Republic of China. See also: APNIC and ISC install the first root nameserver in Mainland China |
| August 2003 | F-Root installed in Seoul, Korea |
| July 2003 | F-Root installed in Auckland, New Zealand |
| January 2003 | APNIC calls for Expressions of Interest for support of APNIC PoPs |
| November 2002 | APNIC announces project to bring new root server sites into the Asia Pacific region |
| August 1997 | M-Root installed in Tokyo, Japan |
Asia Pacific Root servers
In November 2002, APNIC announced a new project to establish a number of new root server sites in the Asia Pacific region. The sites are funded partially or fully by APNIC, but operated as "anycast" mirror copies of exiting Root servers, by the applicable rootserver operator.
For more information about this project, please email Paul Wilson, APNIC's Director General.
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