Zone Files and Resource Records

A zone file describes or translates a domain name into the characteristics, hosts, and services provided by the domain in a way that can be used by DNS software. Badly configured zone files can make a domain unreachable, send e-mail to the wrong location, or even redirect customers to a competitor’s web site. Obviously, these are serious consequences, but it can get worse. Answers to queries from a badly configured DNS may be cached (or stored) by other DNS systems for hours, days, or even weeks. It can take a long time for the effects of an error to be rectified—your customers or employees can be left without service or access for prolonged periods. Correctly configured zone files are essential to the running of every service offered by an organization with Internet presence.