Forum Discussion
Marco_Bayarena_
Altostratus
AltostratusGTM: DNS
Is GTM a full blown DNS server like Bind?
We use Infoblox DNS appliances that are based off of BIND. We need external and internal DNS services placed at our newly built DR site. I was wondering if we get a BigIP 6400 with LTM, GTM, and Adv. Routing modules, will the GTM provide the same functionality as the Infoblox (BIND) device? Is GTM designed for this or is it meant to work in front of an existing DNS server?
We have a redundant pair of BigIP LTMs at our main datacenter and would like to failover the services it provides to our DR site in case of outage.
Any information would be appreciated.
- dennypayne
Employee
GTM can take over your full DNS structure, it has BIND running underneath the hood. I'm not familiar with Infoblox so I can't say with certainty that GTM can do everything that it does, but you can import your existing zones from a BIND text file or via zone transfer and make GTM authoritative for all your domains. Then when you create WideIP's for your load balancing/DR it will update the zone files automatically.
Denny - JRahm
Admin
I agree that GTM can take on the DNS structure, but I get the feeling when I talk to F5 that this is not a recommended solution. 
Marco_Bayarena_The level 1 support didn't think that it was meant to do that. He told me to contact Professional Services. I assume there is a charge for that.
We have over 40 domains (zones) that we host externally. I just want to make sure it can support that and the traditional records (A, CNAME, MX, TXT, etc.).- JRahmYes, it can do all that and more. I think, though, the intended application is to supplement a DNS infrastructure, not replace it.
- That's correct, citizen_elah.
You are free to configure BIND, but you should be aware that some modifications may interfere with the normal operations of the GTM system and/or the GUI record management utility. (The modifications mbayarena suggests are benign as long as they are appropriately coordinated with the GTM record management utility.)
Your F5 Support contract is intended to offer assistance resolving F5 software related issues. Support for custom BIND configuration does not fall under that umbrella except for the very specific default relationship between GTM and BIND. You may even be required to remove BIND customizations to troubleshoot GTM cases with F5 Support.
You might get lucky & get a Support rep who is knowledgeable & willing to help you out with a custom BIND configuration, but they are not required to do so.
/deb - Marco_Bayarena_I am not sure what is meant by custom BIND configuration. We just support standard zones using standard records (A, CNAME, MX, TXT, NS, etc.). Are these supported within the GTM environment?
- dennypayneWhen I mentioned importing the zone files I meant by using the ZoneRunner GUI utility to manage the BIND configuration (importing/adding A, CNAME, MX, NS, etc). So long as you stay within that realm and don't edit BIND by hand, it should be supportable. I believe that editing BIND directly is what Deb is referring to as a custom BIND config. 40 zones shouldn't be a problem, either, I just don't think F5 recommends GTM taking over the full DNS load of thousands of zones that some customers have.
Denny
