NS Record Lookup Tool
NS Lookup is a diagnostic tool used to identify the authoritative nameservers for a domain. It tells you which DNS servers are responsible for responding to queries for that domain name.
Identify the authoritative DNS servers for a domain. Essential for checking DNS delegation and troubleshooting propagation issues.
Type a domain to check DNS records.
What is an NS (Name Server) Record?
In the architecture of the internet, the NS (Name Server) record is the foundational pointer that delegates authority. It tells the global DNS system: "If you want to find information about example.com, you must ask these specific servers."
Every domain registered on the internet must have at least two NS records. These records don't just store your website's data; they identify the authoritative sources that hold all your other DNS records, such as your IP address (A records), email routing (MX records), and security settings (TXT records). Managing your nameservers correctly is critical for website availability and performance.
Authoritative vs. Recursive DNS
Authoritative Server
The "Source of Truth." This server belongs to your DNS provider (like Cloudflare or GoDaddy). It contains the actual records for your domain. When an NS record points here, it means this server has the final say.
Recursive Resolver
The "Middleman." These are the servers your computer talks to (like Google 8.8.8.8). They don't own the records; they go out and ask the Authoritative servers for the answer on your behalf.
The DNS Hierarchy: From Root to Domain
DNS lookups follow a hierarchical path, and NS records are the signposts at every junction:
The Root Servers
The very top of the tree (denoted as "."). These servers know where to find the TLD (Top-Level Domain) servers like .com or .org.
TLD Name Servers
The registry servers (like Verisign for .com). These hold the NS records you set at your registrar, pointing to your DNS host.
Authoritative Name Servers
The final destination. These respond with the specific IP address for your website or the mail server for your emails.
Understanding "Glue Records"
A "circular dependency" occurs if you try to use nameservers that are subdomains of the domain they manage (e.g., ns1.example.com managing example.com). How can the internet find the IP of ns1.example.com if it first has to ask ns1.example.com?
Glue Records solve this paradox. They are special DNS records created at the domain registry level that provide the IP address of the nameserver along with its hostname. This "glues" the hostname to an IP so the lookup can proceed without getting stuck in a loop.
Global Performance & Anycast
Modern DNS providers use a technology called Anycast. Instead of one physical server having one IP address, the same IP is broadcast from hundreds of data centers around the world.
When a user in Tokyo performs a lookup, they are routed to the nearest nameserver in Tokyo. When a user in London does the same, they hit a server in Europe. This reduces latency significantly and makes your website feel faster globally.
Why you need multiple NS records:
- Redundancy: If one provider or data center fails, others take over.
- Traffic Management: Prevents any single server from becoming a bottleneck.
- Security: Distributed networks are much harder to take down with DDoS attacks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to change nameservers?
Nameserver changes usually take 24 to 48 hours to fully propagate globally. This is because the TLD servers have their own TTL settings. Use our DNS Propagation tool to monitor the global status.
What is a "Lame Delegation"?
A lame delegation occurs when the registry points to a nameserver, but that nameserver has no record of the domain. This usually happens if you delete a domain from your DNS host but forget to update the nameservers at your registrar.
Can I use my own domain for nameservers?
Yes, these are called "Vanity Nameservers" or "Private Nameservers" (e.g., ns1.yourdomain.com). They provide a more professional appearance for hosting companies, but they require the setup of Glue Records to work properly.
Consistency Check
Ensure that the NS records set at your Registrar exactly match the NS records in your Zone File. If they don't, you may experience "Ghost DNS" issues where some users see new data while others see old data, or your records fail to validate with DNSSEC.