Edge Resolver

Immediate DNS resolution in hybrid and multicloud environments

BlueCat Edge Resolver datasheet header with logo, title, and introductory text on hybrid multicloud DNS resolution
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The article presents BlueCat Edge Resolver, a feature of BlueCat Edge that simplifies and automates DNS resolution across hybrid and multicloud environments by consolidating DNS data from cloud-native and on-premises networks into a single intelligent DNS map. It addresses the operational problem of manual conditional forwarders and brittle zone configuration that cannot keep pace with dynamic private endpoints, improving DNS reliability and reducing resolution latency for critical applications and services. Key outcomes include automated zone discovery, continuous polling for real-time accuracy, a single forwarding rule for consistent resolution, and direct resolution paths that reduce query hops and configuration overhead.

How does Edge Resolver reduce DNS configuration complexity in hybrid and multicloud networks?

Edge Resolver reduces DNS configuration complexity by unifying DNS zones from on-premises, cloud, and third-party services into a single intelligent namespace. Instead of creating and maintaining numerous manual conditional forwarders, network teams manage one forwarding rule to BlueCat Edge, which forwards queries to the Edge Resolver service. Edge Resolver automates zone discovery and continuously polls for changes, so discovered zones and updates are resolved automatically within the single namespace, eliminating the need for per-zone conditional forwarding and accelerating configuration tasks.

What mechanisms ensure Edge Resolver delivers faster and more reliable DNS responses?

Edge Resolver delivers faster, more reliable DNS responses by maintaining an always-updated map of where DNS zones and records reside, allowing it to skip unnecessary recursive steps and multi-hop queries. It continuously polls multiple environments to detect changes in DNS data in real time, ensuring accuracy. Additionally, Edge Resolver prioritizes cloud-native or on-premises resolvers based on the query origin and uses an adaptive cache to tailor answers to client location and profile, reducing latency and improving network efficiency for critical applications.

Which cloud platforms and integration capabilities are supported by Edge Resolver for hybrid deployments?

Edge Resolver is built for hybrid environments and provides seamless cloud integration with major public cloud platforms, specifically AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud, as stated in the article. It continuously discovers DNS zones across those cloud environments as well as on-premises and third-party services, incorporating them into a unified DNS map. This multi-environment discovery and integration enable Edge Resolver to deliver optimal DNS responses based on client location and evolving zone data across the supported cloud platforms.

Intelligent hybrid and multicloud DNS resolution

As network teams adopt hybrid cloud and private DNS-supported services, they must provide the most optimal resolution path to resources across virtual and on-premises networks. To help private endpoints access those resources, admins typically create an avalanche of manual conditional forwarders. But without automated DNS data discovery, admins cannot keep up because manual forwarders can’t adapt to the resolution needs of private endpoints. A hybrid and multicloud solution can restore order by simplifying zone discovery and namespace management under one DNS map, improving DNS reliability for critical apps and services.

The solution: BlueCat Edge Resolver

Edge Resolver, a feature of BlueCat Edge, is an advanced solution for optimizing DNS resolution in hybrid and multicloud environments. It seamlessly connects DNS data from cloud-native and on-premises networks into one reliable map of DNS. It allows network teams to manage a single forwarding rule, providing consistent and efficient resolution, all while adapting to changes to provide the most direct resolution path. Edge Resolver automates zone discovery and ensures real-time accuracy to deliver reliable DNS for critical applications and services.

BlueCat dashboard showing DNS query details overlay with timestamps, domains, IPs, and inspect client activity button

Benefits

Simplified DNS resolution

Unify DNS zones from multiple cloud and on-premises environments, creating a single, cohesive, and intelligent DNS resolution system that reduces configuration complexity.

Increased reliability

Know exactly where each DNS zone resides, regardless of delegations, eliminating multiple query steps and speeding up resolution for delegated zones and multi-hop queries.

Hybrid and multicloud awareness

Edge Resolver continuously polls for changes in DNS data, ensuring real-time accuracy and seamless resolution in fast-paced hybrid and multicloud networks.

Accelerate configuration

Edge Resolver eliminates the need to manage multiple forwarding rules; discovered zones or changes are automatically resolved within a single namespace, saving time and boosting efficiency.

Resolving a query using Edge Resolver

As seen in Figure 1, employees or applications make their first hop query to BlueCat Edge for resolution. Edge will use a single namespace that forwards to the Edge Resolver service to access the always updated map of zones across on premises and cloud vendors. Finally, Edge Resolver delivers a direct resolution path without complex manual conditional forwarding rules. Edge Resolver breaks down discovery barriers to DNS resolution for endpoints. It surmounts routing conflicts to resources and prioritizes cloud-native or on-premises DNS resolvers based on the origin.

Edge resolver service connecting users to hybrid cloud zone discovery and consolidated edge DNS namespaces across clouds

Figure 1. Resolving a query using Edge Resolver

Features

Multi-environment discovery

Continuously discover DNS zones across on-premises, cloud, and third- party services, delivering optimal DNS responses based on client location and more.

Direct resolution path

By knowing exactly where each DNS record resides, Edge Resolver skips unnecessary recursive steps, significantly reducing DNS resolution times.

Adaptive cache

Clients receive tailored answers based on their location, user profile, and other relevant factors, which reduces latency and improves network efficiency.

Seamless cloud integration

Built for hybrid environments, Edge Resolver integrates with AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud, allowing users to manage DNS records across multiple platforms.

Continuous polling

Edge Resolver polls for changes to DNS zones, updating its map instantly as environments shift and evolve.

Next steps

Learn how Edge Resolver can restore order and improve DNS reliability on your network.

BlueCat’s Intelligent Network Operations (NetOps)

BlueCat’s Intelligent NetOps solutions provide the analytics and intelligence needed to enable, optimize, and secure the network to achieve business goals. With an Intelligent NetOps suite, organizations can more easily change and modernize the network as business requirements demand.

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