Frequently asked questions about DNS

1. Why set up DNS?
2. Who can use K-State's DNS servers?
3. What are K-State's DNS servers and IP addresses?
4. How do I request a domain name?
5. How do I make a change or addition to my current domain?
6. I want my K-State organization to have a public (non-KSU) domain; is that allowed?
7. Who do I contact with questions?

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Why set up DNS?

DNS servers are used to translate user-friendly domain names (such as www.ksu.edu or www.k-state.edu) into numeric IP addresses (such as 129.130.12.1) in order to make a network connection to the remote service or host. Since it is the DNS servers that provide this service, you must configure your system with the numeric IP addresses of the DNS servers. This is not usually necessary for other services such as SMTP or POP.

The K-State DNS servers are located on a dedicated network that is directly connected to the network backbone.

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Who can use K-State's DNS servers?

The K-State DNS servers are for use by anyone on the K-State network.

• If you are connecting from anywhere on campus, the residence halls, or via the K-State dial-in service, you should use K-State's DNS servers.
• If you connect to the Internet by any other method, contact your Internet service provider for the appropriate DNS setup information.

  Note: For security and performance reasons, the K-State DNS servers are configured to deny service to clients outside the K-State network.

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K-State DNS servers and IP addresses

DNS server	IP address
dns-1.ksu.edu	129.130.254.2
dns-2.ksu.edu	129.130.254.3
dns-3.ksu.edu	129.130.254.4

Note: These servers should be listed in a random order in your network-connection software to help distribute the load as seen in the example below.

• 129.130.254.4
• 129.130.254.2

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How do I request a domain name?

To request a domain name, please email dns@k-state.edu with the following information:

• Name of domain
• Brief description defining the domain's purpose
• Sponsor of domain and affiliation with K-State
• Domain content administrator and contact information: Name, address, phone, fax
• Billing information if different from content administrator (public domains only)
• IP address of domain

Before sending your request, please read the DNS registration policy and guidelines.

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How do I make a change or addition to my current domain?

To initiate a change or addition to a current domain, send an email to dns@k-state.edu with the information request.

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I want my K-State organization to have a public (non-KSU) domain; is that allowed?

Yes. Please read the DNS registration policy and guidelines for information on having a public domain for your K-State organization.

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Who do I contact with questions?

Contact the IT Help Desk for assistance.

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