Balou Tools

DNS Traversal – visualize the resolution chain

Trace the path of a DNS query from root to TLD to authoritative name servers and identify delegation, latency and response issues.

Configure DNS Trace

How does DNS resolution work?

Iterative DNS resolution follows the hierarchy from root servers to TLD servers and finally to authoritative name servers.

Root → TLD → Authoritative

Each layer points to the next one until the authoritative server returns the requested record.

Detect lame delegation

Lame delegation occurs when a delegated name server does not answer authoritatively or is unreachable.

Interpreting latency

High latency at one stage can indicate distant, overloaded or poorly connected name servers.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What is iterative DNS resolution?

It means a resolver queries responsible servers step by step instead of receiving the final answer immediately.

What is an authoritative name server?

An authoritative name server is responsible for a DNS zone and returns definitive answers for its records.

What is lame delegation?

It happens when a name server is delegated at the registry but does not correctly answer for the domain.

Guide & best practices

DNS Traversal – visualize the resolution chain

Trace the path of a DNS query from root to TLD to authoritative name servers and identify delegation, latency and response issues.

How does DNS resolution work?

Iterative DNS resolution follows the hierarchy from root servers to TLD servers and finally to authoritative name servers.

Root → TLD → Authoritative

Each layer points to the next one until the authoritative server returns the requested record.

Detect lame delegation

Lame delegation occurs when a delegated name server does not answer authoritatively or is unreachable.

Interpreting latency

High latency at one stage can indicate distant, overloaded or poorly connected name servers.

Frequently asked questions

What is iterative DNS resolution?

It means a resolver queries responsible servers step by step instead of receiving the final answer immediately.

What is an authoritative name server?

An authoritative name server is responsible for a DNS zone and returns definitive answers for its records.

What is lame delegation?

It happens when a name server is delegated at the registry but does not correctly answer for the domain.