Nslookup
Nslookup is a network administration command-line tool for querying DNS servers to obtain domain name or IP address mapping or for troubleshooting DNS issues. It allows administrators to test and diagnose DNS problems and verify DNS configurations and records.
dns
troubleshooting
network
administration
diagnostics
Nslookup: Network Administration Command-Line Tool
Nslookup is a network administration command-line tool for querying DNS servers to obtain domain name or IP address mapping or for troubleshooting DNS issues.
What is Nslookup?
Nslookup (Name Server Lookup) is a network administration command-line tool that allows users to query Internet domain name servers. It is used to obtain domain name or IP address mapping and for troubleshooting DNS issues.
Some key features and uses of Nslookup include:
- Querying the DNS server to resolve domain names to IP addresses and vice versa
- Verifying if DNS records like MX, CNAME, NS, SOA etc. are configured properly
- Comparing results across different DNS servers to check consistency
- Troubleshooting DNS problems like connectivity issues, incorrect records, DNS delays etc.
- Checking if DNS is working fine or is unable to resolve names
- Validating DNS configuration and topology of a domain
- Diagnosing DNS issues between client and DNS server communication
Nslookup allows administrators to enter interactive mode or non-interactive mode with command parameters. It is available on most operating systems with some differences in implementation. Though host command provides similar basic lookup functionality, Nslookup offers more advanced DNS debugging features.
Nslookup Features
Features
- Queries DNS servers for domain name or IP address mapping
- Troubleshoots DNS issues
- Tests and diagnoses DNS problems
- Verifies DNS configurations and records
Pricing
- Free
- Open Source
Pros
Built-in utility on Windows and Linux
Simple and easy to use
Provides detailed DNS information
Useful for troubleshooting name resolution issues
Cons
Limited functionality compared to more advanced tools
Does not work with latest DNS protocols
No GUI interface
Not ideal for bulk lookups or automation
Official Links
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