Setting Up BIND DNS

BIND is a widely used DNS server that enables Redis nodes to resolve internal hostnames using custom domain configurations. This article covers Installation Prerequisites, Step-by-Step Configuration, Glue Record Setup, Cluster DNS Integration, and Troubleshooting Guidance. It ensures your Redis cluster can rely on stable, domain-based node discovery, with references to Redis documentation and best practices for production DNS use.

Prerequisites

• You have access to your domain registrar and/or BIND DNS server.
• You have a registered domain name to delegate to your Redis Enterprise cluster.
• You know the IP addresses and hostnames of all Redis cluster nodes.

• You’re using Linux-based OS on DNS servers (e.g., RHEL/CentOS or Ubuntu/Debian).

  For more information, review Linux BIND and BIND Official Site

Installing BIND DNS

For RHEL/CentOS:

For Debian/Ubuntu:

Note: BIND is the de facto standard DNS software on Unix-like systems.

Step-by-Step: Configuring Zone Files for Redis

1. Create or update the zone definition

   • Edit /etc/named.conf or /etc/bind/named.conf.local:

     

2. Create the zone file (e.g., /var/named/redislabscluster.mydomain.com.db)

   
3. Delegate subdomain from parent zone

   • In the parent zone (mydomain.com), add:

     When configuring zone files for Redis clusters, see Configure Cluster DNS for best practices and advanced options

4. Add glue records for Redis nodes

   

5. Validate zone file

   

6. Restart BIND

   

7. Check DNS resolution from cluster nodes

   

Redis-Specific DNS Configuration Guidance

• When initializing your Redis cluster, provide FQDNs, not IP addresses.
• Hostnames must comply with RFC 952 and RFC 1123.
• Do not run multiple DNS servers on Redis cluster nodes. Use only the DNS server configured with Redis Software. For more details on network setup, see Manage Networks
• Avoid using mDNS in production environments. Reserve for development/testing only.

Troubleshooting