The DNS (Domain Name System) is a system that can convert domain names into IP addresses, thereby enabling websites to be accessed via their names.
As the Domain Name System is one of the most important services in the data network, this service is operated here at RWTH in a physically redundant and centralized manner on the backbone.
The DNS at RWTH includes the following functions:

• Central service for linking unique names to Internet addresses (IPv4/IPv6) 
• Resource records for different functionalities
• Data is provided by so-called DNS servers
• The DNS is organized in a tree structure (zones/subdomains) with a globally distributed so-called root zone
• entries are maintained by the so-called hostmaster (hostmaster@rwth-aachen.de)
• The service is designed via so-called Request for Comments

The use of anycast (addressing and routing method) adds logical redundancy. Here the computers themselves are assigned all common service (IPv4/IPv6) addresses.
The information is defined by so called Resource Records:

To achieve an administrative and logical subdivision within a domain (e.g. rwth-aachen.de), zones/subdomains are used.

Who is allowed to access the RWTH DNS?

Registered network contact persons and IT administrators can view zones/subdomains and existing DNS entries for their own organization and create entries.
The DNS backend is managed by the IT Center.

How do I accesss the RWTH DNS?

Via the DNS-Admin, registered network contact persons can either make entries for the entrusted zone/subdomain themselves or request an entry by sending an informal e-mail to hostmaster@rwth-aachen.de.