Using caching-only servers

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Applies To: Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2003 R2, Windows Server 2003 with SP1, Windows Server 2003 with SP2

Using caching-only servers

Although all DNS servers cache queries that they have resolved, caching-only servers are DNS servers that only perform queries, cache the answers, and return the results. They are not authoritative for any domains and the information that they contain is limited to what has been cached while resolving queries.

In determining when to use this kind of server, note that when this server is initially started, it has no cached information. This information is obtained over time as client requests are serviced. However, if you are dealing with a slow-speed WAN link between sites, this option might be ideal because, once the cache is built, traffic decreases. In addition, the caching-only server does not perform zone transfers, which can also be network intensive in WAN environments.

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