The good news is that slow DNS Lookup is hardly ever serious. Delayed DNS resolution can be readily corrected and does not demand any special knowledge. One only has to know the problem in a clear cut manner before learning how to fix slow DNS lookup.
What is DNS (and why does it matter so much)?
Think of DNS or the Domain Name System as the internet’s directory. Humans use names that are easy to memorize like the name of Google version, www.google.com. However, computers only relate in numbers. DNS is there to encode those names into numerical addresses, and telling your browser where to connect. Without it, using the internet would entail typing in long numbers in front of the computer each time we wanted to go to any web site, which is so impractical that the web, as we know it, would not exist.
How DNS lookup actually works
DNS look up is not a complicated process, however it follows a sequence of small, reliant steps and a delay on any of them is sufficient to slow the entire process. Events tend to go this way when you are trying to open a web site.
- First of all, you enter the address into your browser.
- The browser then makes a request to a DNS server, inquiring of that server where the said address is located.
- The server checks its records and provides a numerical address.
- Now the browser can connect and start loading the site.
The above exchange takes time which is referred to as DNS lookup time. It is calculated in fractions of a second but its impact is greater than the numbers indicate. The delay is noticeable when it is frequent.
Why DNS Lookups Get Slow
Slow DNS lookups are normally due to some simple factors. They are a product of systems operating as intended, albeit without efficiency. The reasons are mostly obvious.
- Slow DNS providers: The default DNS service provided by an ISP or a hosting company is usually maintainable, but not necessarily fast. Speed is not its first priority.
- Too many DNS records: If a domain that has too many DNS records, all of them have to be verified and the process of resolving is more time-consuming.
- Inefficient DNS caching: In the absence of efficient caching, redundant queries are made. The browser continues asking the location of a site user visited just a few seconds ago as though it has already forgotten the answer.
- Excessive DNS chaining: Several redirects, especially the long chains of CNAMEs, make the process slower.
- Geographic distance: The physically distant DNS server will take longer to respond to the user than a nearby one.
- Overloaded nameservers: Response times are affected when nameservers of a hosting provider become overloaded or are poorly configured.
These are the common causes of delay. Having them properly defined, one can switch causes to remedies.
How to fix slow DNS lookup?
The following are practical methods of enhancing the performance of DNS and reducing the look up time. They will help you understand how to fix slow DNS lookup efficiently.
1. Use a High-Speed DNS Resolver Instead of the Default
It is often the simplest and the most successful move. Most of the internet providers have default DNS servers, yet they are not concerned with speed. An efficiently operated DNS infrastructure, with larger infrastructure and broader coverage can resolve addresses faster and with lesser failures.
Some established options include WebSouls DNS, which is focused on consistent local and global performance; Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1), which is focused on speed and security; Google Public DNS (8.8.8.8 / 8.8.4.4), which is focused on reliability and fast resolution; and Amazon Route 53, which is designed to scale during high demand. Generally, improved networks will result in reduced delays.
2. Clean Up and Simplify DNS Zone Records
An overloaded DNS configuration makes a simple request a long process. Every extra record adds work. The solution is largely an issue of restraint. Remove records that are no longer in use, e.g. outdated A, CNAME or TXT entries. Make the structure lean, and avoid the tendency to introduce layers that do not address any actual issue.
Special attention should be paid to redirects. A straight route to the ultimate destination is normally faster and more accurate than a series of minor rerouting.
3. Turn On DNS Caching for Faster Repeat Requests
Caching is nothing more than memory applied to DNS. With caching, the last used IP addresses are stored temporarily and reused when required. This can work at a number of levels. The current browsers do some caching independently.
DNS results can also be cached on servers so that repeat lookups on the same destinations are not necessary. The same applies to operating systems, and it is particularly handy in the case of servers or domains that are hit numerous times per day.
4. Deploy a CDN to Reduce Distance-Related DNS Delay
A CDN may be viewed as a means of distributing pictures and files, but its impact goes farther to DNS. It operates through the distribution of servers over numerous points hence the users are connected with a point which is closer to them physically. The distance is important. When the distance is shorter, the waiting time decreases.
The majority of large CDNs operate their DNS as well. This enables the DNS queries to be responded with the nearest server in use instead of a remote server. Examples of such services include Cloudflare and Akamai. The benefit is two-fold, which includes quicker name resolution and quicker site delivery. A single change actually solves two delays at the same time.
5. Cut Down CNAME Redirect Chains for Quicker Resolution
DNS chaining is where one record is a pointer to another one and so on until the browser reaches the address it needs. Each step adds a pause. The remedy is simplicity. Chain CNAMEs should be kept to a minimum and the CNAMEs should point to A records where feasible. The shorter the chain, the less the delay opportunities.
6. Enable HTTP/3 and QUIC to Reduce Connection Overhead
Provided that your hosting provider or CDN has newer protocols like HTTP/3 and QUIC, they should be enabled. These systems also help to minimize the back and forth in making connections and they also help to reduce delays that are made before a site even starts loading. The benefits can be obvious when it is applied along with such services as Cloudflare.
7. Track DNS Response Speed Over Time to Prevent Slowdowns
DNS failures are often quiet. They do not present themselves with errors, but creep slowly, until a site becomes slower without any noticeable reason. This type of gradual deterioration is avoided by frequent examinations. Pingdom or DNSPerf are tools that can be used to track response times. Unsuccessful lookups, high response time, and delay following changes are all indicators that should be noted.
Conclusion
The speed at which a site starts loading is dependent on the slowness of the DNS lookup time. Users experience even minor delays, which result in frustration and increased bouncing rates and poor performance over the long-term. The great thing is that the DNS issues can be resolved in many cases. Most of the delays can be minimized or eliminated entirely by using a speedier provider, simplifying records, reducing chaining, facilitating caching and modern protocols, using a CDN, and tracking the performance over time.
