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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Reverse Lookup Zone and Forward Lookup Zone?

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The main difference between a reverse lookup zone and a forward lookup zone in the Domain Name System (DNS) lies in the way they map IP addresses and domain names:

  • Forward Lookup Zone: This zone contains a mapping between host names and IP addresses. When a computer requests an IP address for a specific host name, the forward lookup zone is queried to get the result. It typically converts a name to an IP address or another name at some point, eventually resolving the name to an IP address in most cases.
  • Reverse Lookup Zone: This zone contains a mapping between IP addresses and their corresponding domain names. It is used when a computer requests a host name for a specific IP address. The reverse lookup zone is queried to get the answer, and it contains PTR records that point the IP address to a host/domain name.

In summary:

  • Forward lookup zones resolve names to IP addresses.
  • Reverse lookup zones resolve IP addresses to names.
On this page
  • What is the Difference Between Reverse Lookup Zone and Forward Lookup Zone?
  • Comparative Table: Reverse Lookup Zone vs Forward Lookup Zone

    • Comparative Table: Reverse Lookup Zone vs Forward Lookup Zone

    The main difference between a reverse lookup zone and a forward lookup zone in DNS is the type of queries they are used for. Here is a table comparing the two:

    Feature Forward Lookup Zone Reverse Lookup Zone
    Purpose Maps domain names to IP addresses Maps IP addresses to domain names
    Records Contains A-type resource records Contains PTR records
    Queries Used when a computer requests an IP address for a specific host name Used when a computer requests a host name for a specific IP address
    Zone Format Domain names under "Name" column and IP addresses under "Data" column IP addresses under "Name" column and hostname strings under "Data" column

    In summary, a forward lookup zone is used to resolve forward lookup queries, where a client requests an IP address for a specific host name. On the other hand, a reverse lookup zone is used for resolving reverse lookup queries, where a client requests a host name for a specific IP address.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.