DNS Loadbalancing

Sree Vathsan 1 Reputation point
2021-07-26T14:38:52.723+00:00

I am running 2 Windows Server 2016's in Virtual Machines. They both have static IP addresses and my domain is not using DHCP. I have installed both ADDS and DNS services. Is it possible to set-up DNS load balancing between these 2 domain controllers? If it is possible, how can I test out the load-balancing effect?

Windows Server 2016
Windows Server 2016
A Microsoft server operating system that supports enterprise-level management updated to data storage.
2,389 questions
Active Directory
Active Directory
A set of directory-based technologies included in Windows Server.
5,932 questions
Windows DHCP
Windows DHCP
Windows: A family of Microsoft operating systems that run across personal computers, tablets, laptops, phones, internet of things devices, self-contained mixed reality headsets, large collaboration screens, and other devices.DHCP: Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP). A communications protocol that lets network administrators manage centrally and automate the assignment of Internet Protocol (IP) addresses in an organization's network.
1,023 questions

1 answer

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Fan Fan 15,301 Reputation points Microsoft Vendor
    2021-07-27T00:31:51.243+00:00

    Hi,

    In a domain environment, it may make environment more complicated and harder for troubleshooting.
    And the load balancing for the AD services is supposed to be done by the client.

    When we set DNS server for clients in domain, we can set 2 DNS servers or more for the clients in domain.
    Preferred DNS server
    Alternate DNS server
    118054-7271.jpg
    We may try to set part of the clients use the DC1 as preferred DNS server and DC2 as the alternate DNS server.
    And the rest of the clients use the DC2 as the preferred DNS server and DC1 as the alternate DNS server.

    In this situation, only when the preferred one is not available, the clients will turn to the alternate one.
    Since all the DCs have the Integrated DNS ZONE, all the DCs have the same records for the clients.

    Following link for your reference:
    Load balancers and Active Directory

    Best Regards,