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 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 technical 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 DNS

The 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.

“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.” Paul Wilson, Director General of APNIC.

Timeline of root server deployment

2020

December
M-Root nameserver installed in Brisbane.

2019

January
K-Root nameserver installed in Thimphu.

December
K-Root nameserver installed in Yangon.

2018

July
F-Root nameserver installed in Port Moresby.

December
K-Root nameserver installed in Taipei.

2017 January
J-Root nameserver installed in Kathmandu.
2016 January
L-Root nameserver installed in Apia.

September
J-Root nameserver installed in Brisbane.

2012 June
I-Root nameserver installed in Ulaanbaatar.
2011 September
F-Root nameserver installed in Ulaanbaatar.

April
I-Root nameserver installed in Thimphu.

2010 August
F-Root nameserver installed in Phnom Penh.
2009 May
I-Root nameserver installed in Taipei.
2008 July
I-Root nameserver installed in Colombo.
2007 May

  • F-Root nameserver installed in Suva.
  • I-Root nameserver installed in Manila.
2005 December
F-Root nameservers installed in Karachi and Dhaka.

August

  • F-Root nameserver installed in Chennai.
  • I-Root nameserver installed in Mumbai.
  • K-Root nameserver installed in Delhi.

June
K-Root nameserver installed in Brisbane.

April
K-Root nameserver installed in Tokyo.

March
I-Root nameserver installed in Jakarta.

2004 September
I-Root nameserver installed in Bangkok.

August
I-Root nameserver installed in Kuala Lumpur.

July
F-Root nameserver installed in Jakarta.

February
F-Root nameserver installed in Brisbane.

2003 December

  • F-Root nameserver installed in Singapore.
  • F-Root nameserver installed in Taipei.

November
F-Root nameserver installed in Hong Kong.

October
F-Root nameserver installed in Beijing.

August
F-Root nameserver installed in Seoul.

July
F-Root nameserver installed in Auckland.

January
APNIC calls for Expressions of Interest for support of APNIC PoPs.

2002 November
APNIC announces project to bring new root server sites into the Asia Pacific region

See: Root server map