As Yale University is implementing the Next Generation Network (NGN), we are enabling a Dynamic Domain Name System; and using Fully Qualified Domain Names instead of IP addresses. We are updating these settings on the current network and connected devices in preparation for the Next Generation Network. These technologies will allow us to achieve better our goals of a more reliable, secure, and configurable network
What is Dynamic Domain Name System (DDNS)?
- Domain Name System (DNS) is a network service that uses a database to match IP addresses to a device's domain name (computer name)
- The DNS database is updated manually when changes are needed
- DDNS is a method of automatically updating the name server in the DNS in real-time
- This allows for changes to a network device's name or IP address to propagate across the network more quickly
What is a Fully Qualified Domain Name (FQDN)?
- A Domain Name is a name that describes an autonomous network within the internet
- yale.edu is the public Domain Name for Yale University, ynhh.org for Yale New Haven Health
- yale. internal is the private Domain Name for the Yale University network, which means it is not accessible from the internet without a VPN connection. This includes .stdusr.yale.internal and .med.yale.internal.
- A FQDN is the name that completely describes where in the domain hierarchy a computing device resides
- It is the complete name of your computer. For example MW123456.stdusr.yale.internal
- MW123456 - this part is the name of your computer
- studs.- this is a subdomain, where users' computers are organized
- yale. internal - The Yale domain, encompassing all University networking devices
- .yu.yale.edu is also a domain name for Windows computers that are part of the Yale University Active Directory
Why should I use FQDNs?
- Historically, IP addresses were used when referring and connecting to devices on the Yale network
- The many buildings on campus use different IP address ranges, so as devices move around campus, they will need to use a new IP address
- As network services are updated, they may get different IP addresses
- A fixed, static, or reserved IP address requires a user to make updates on their computer anytime a change occurs
- Using FQDN and DDNS services alleviates the need to make changes on a user's computer or device
- While the IP address of a network device may change, its FQDN will not
- As the computer moves around campus or a service is updated, the DDNS service automatically updates the DNS database ensuring that the FQDN is always pointing to the correct IP address
- Yale's current IP Addressing Best Practice uses dynamic addressing (DHCP) of private IP addresses, which will be the default on NGN. Static (or fixed) and Public IP addresses will require review and approval for continued use
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