Service Level Definition: Domain Name Service

This page contains the service level definition (SLD) for the campus Domain Name Service (DNS).

Documentation

http://www.cites.illinois.edu/dns/

Description

The Domain Name Service (DNS) has two components: the DNS application, and the data management of campus domains and networks. DNS maps names and Internet Protocol (IP) addresses so that webpages and web services can be accessed by names rather than IP Address. The data management of DNS keeps DNS information current so that websites, web services, and other network components can communicate with each other. Some web services and email providers require the host to be properly registered in the DNS for security and anti-spam reasons.

Who can use this service

Everyone on campus automatically uses the DNS in order to access webpages or web services. Only campus network administrators listed in Contact Manager with DNS Request authority can make data management changes for their specific network(s) and domain(s).

When the service is available for use

DNS application is available:

Supported Service Hours:
Twenty-four hours a day, excluding the maintenance hours listed below

Maintenance Hours:*
5:30 A.M. to 7:30 A.M. Monday through Friday
5:30 A.M. to 10:00 A.M. Saturday
5:30 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. Sunday

* The DNS application service consists of several servers, which are rarely inaccessible at the same time. The service will almost always be available during these maintenance hours.

Data Management of DNS is available:

Supported Service Hours:
8:30 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Monday through Friday, and by appointment with hostmgr@illinois.edu.

(The web interface located at https://dns.cites.illinois.edu is usually available 24 hours a day.)

What you must have in order to use the service
  • Computer with network connection
  • Network Administrators wishing to make data management changes must be listed in Contact Manager with the appropriate permissions

Where to go for help

CITES Service Center (call 265-5000 or email consult@illinois.edu)

Dependencies on other services

Network Infrastructure

Cost

A subsidy provided by the Provost on behalf of the campus allows CITES to offer this service at reduced charge. Each department is granted one domain at no cost. Additional domains (both .edu and non-.edu) can be acquired at a cost of $10 per year. As of July 1, 2009, non-.edu domains are subject to a one-time registration fee; please contact hostmgr@illinois.edu for pricing information.

How to request changes to this service

Campus network administrators can email hostmgr@illinois.edu with requests, or make changes such as adding, deleting, renumbering, adjusting TTL, or renaming machines, using the Proteus web interface at https://dns.cites.illinois.edu

How to find out about changes to this service

Service outages will be posted on the CITES Status web page. Major changes will be announced on the DNS webpage and/or the CITES-TECHSUPPORT list.

Date created

November 18, 2003

Date of last review

November 5, 2009